bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Children’s Fears during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Strategies Adopted by Italian Caregivers
Authors: Landoni Marta , Silverio Sergio A. , Ionio Chiara , Giordano Francesca
Published: September 2022

Background: Life-threatening events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may generate feelings of insecurity and fear in the affected population, particularly children. Parents’ ability to help children cope with negative emotions is essential during challenging periods. The current study aims to analyse the coping strategies adopted by Italian caregivers concerning their children’s fears about COVID-19. Method: An online survey was administered during the Italian lockdown to 649 parents of at least one child aged 5 to 17 years old. Respondents completed the survey for themselves and their children. In addition, a qualitative content analysis of the data from the open-ended question was conducted (N = 569; 87.9% women; MAge = 45 years). Results: Several themes were identified. Firstly, families’ primary approach was ‘communication and meaning-making’. Secondly, another essential strategy was ‘the importance of safe space’, enabled by keeping routine in place and creating a loving and caring environment. Thirdly, other factors relevant to managing children’s fears were ‘adaptation’, ‘religion’, ‘a positive attitude’, and ‘humour and hope’. Finally, the last two strategies significant and valuable for Italian families were ‘flexibility’ and ‘maintaining virtual contacts. Conclusion: During the pandemic COVID-19, parents may have used various strategies to protect their children from stress. Future research could investigate single parents’ coping strategies explicitly developed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Long-Term Exposure to Greenspace and Cognitive Function during the Lifespan: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ricciardi Elisabetta , Spano Giuseppina , Lopez Antonella , Tinella Luigi , Clemente Carmine , Elia Giuseppe , Dadvand Payam , Sanesi Giovanni , Bosco Andrea , Caffò Alessandro Oronzo
Published: September 2022

Recent advances in environmental psychology highlighted the beneficial role of greenspace exposure on cognition. We conducted a systematic review of the available studies on the association of long-term exposure to greenspace and cognitive functions across the lifespan. PRISMA guidelines and the PECOs method were applied to screen for eligible studies. Twenty-five studies from Scopus, PubMed, and PsycINFO met the inclusion criteria. Six studies were longitudinal and nineteen cross-sectional. Fifteen studies focused on schoolchildren, six studies on adults, and four on the elderly. Twenty studies used the NDVI to assess greenspace exposure and the remaining used other indexes. Eight studies employed academic achievement as the outcome, eight studies global cognition, six studies attention/executive functions, and three studies memory. The evidence was inconsistent but suggestive for a beneficial role of greenspace exposure on cognitive functions. Further studies are required, especially among adults and older people, by adopting longitudinal designs.
A Hierarchical Ensemble Deep Learning Activity Recognition Approach with Wearable Sensors Based on Focal Loss
Authors: Zhao Ting , Chen Haibao , Bai Yuchen , Zhao Yuyan , Zhao Shenghui
Published: September 2022

Abnormal activity in daily life is a relatively common symptom of chronic diseases, such as dementia. There will probably be a variety of repetitive activities in dementia patients’ daily life, such as repeated handling of objects and repeated packing of clothes. It is particularly important to recognize the daily activities of the elderly, which can be further used to predict and monitor chronic diseases. In this paper, we propose a hierarchical ensemble deep learning activity recognition approach with wearable sensors based on focal loss. Seven basic everyday life activities including cooking, keyboarding, reading, brushing teeth, washing one’s face, washing dishes and writing are considered in order to show its performance. Based on hold-out cross-validation results on a dataset collected from elderly volunteers, the average accuracy, precision, recall and F1-score of our approach are 98.69%, 98.05%, 98.01% and 97.99%, respectively, in identifying the activities of daily life for the elderly.
Perceived Facilitators and Barriers for Actual Arm Use during Everyday Activities in Community Dwelling Individuals with Chronic Stroke
Authors: Kim Grace J. , Lebovich Shir , Rand Debbie
Published: September 2022

Background: Our aim was to gain a deeper understanding of perceived predictors for actual arm use during daily functional activities. Methods: Qualitative study. Semi-structured interview data collected from individuals with chronic stroke living in the community. Codebook thematic analysis used for the data analysis. Results: Six participants 5–18 years post stroke with moderate to severe UE impairment. Three domains were identified: Person, Context, and Task. Themes for the Person domain included mental (cognitive effort, lack of acceptance), behavioral (routines/habits, self-evaluation), and physical (stiffness/fatigue). Themes for the Context domain included social environment (being in public, presence, and actions of others) and time constraints (being in a hurry). Themes for the task domain included necessity to complete bilateral and unilateral tasks, and safety (increased risk of accidents). Conclusion: Actual arm use is a complex construct related to the characteristics of the person, contextual environment, and the nature of the task. Facilitators included cognitive effort, routines/habits, self-evaluation, and the perceived necessity. Barriers included in lack of acceptance, stiffness/fatigue, being in public, being in a hurry, and risk of ac-cidents. Social support was both a facilitator and a barrier. Our results support the growing call to adopt a broader biopsychosocial framework into rehabilitation delivery.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Ventilation Controls in Managing Airborne and Surface Lead Levels at a Newly Commissioned Indoor Shooting Range
Authors: Alcock Robert , Wajrak Magdalena , Oosthuizen Jacques
Published: September 2022

Lead levels at a new indoor target shooting range were assessed using both personal and environmental air monitoring methods. Surface swabs were collected from representative locations throughout the range prior to, and at the conclusion of, shooting. Personal samples were compared against the current Australian Workplace Exposure Standards with all results exceeding statutory limits. Static environmental samples exceeded the Air National Environmental Protection Measures (NEPM) air quality standard. Surface swabs showed significant increases from pre- to post-shooting with levels exceeding recommended limits. The performance of the mechanical ventilation system was also assessed and airflow levels were below the required rate at all test locations when compared against the values recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Users of the indoor shooting range are at risk of potential exposure to hazardous levels of lead. It was recommended the ventilation system be reviewed by a suitably qualified ventilation engineer to ensure it is operating within the required parameters and able to transport generated lead contaminant away from the shooters breathing zone. A thorough cleaning regime should be implemented by the club to minimise surface lead loadings throughout the facility.
Interdisciplinary Cooperation between Pharmacists and Nurses—Experiences and Expectations
Authors: Waszyk-Nowaczyk Magdalena , Guzenda Weronika , Dragun Paweł , Olsztyńska Laura , Liwarska Julia , Michalak Michał , Ferlak Jan , Drozd Mariola , Sobiechowska Renata
Published: September 2022

Background: Getting to know the experience gained so far between professions such as pharmacists and nurses allows for introducing changes aimed at better cooperation, and that can improve the quality of patient care. The aim was to obtain the nurses’ opinions on the ongoing cooperation with pharmacists and to analyze the possibilities of cooperation between these groups. Methods: The survey was conducted from January to March 2021 among 124 nurses in Poland. The link to the electronic questionnaire was sent by e-mails sourced from online social groups for nurses. Before completing the questionnaire, each participant was informed about the anonymous research and the purpose of the data obtained. Results: In total, 80.6% of the respondents confirmed that the pharmacist is a reliable advisor in the field of general information about a drug and 60.9% in the field of clinical information about the drug, and 54.8% of the nurses agreed that a pharmacist should carry out such practices as measuring blood pressure or glucose in a community pharmacy, with 70.1% agreeing that a pharmacist should provide pharmaceutical care in a community pharmacy in the future and the most convinced of this were people with a master’s degree. Of the respondents, 74.1% indicated that pharmacist advice should be fully reimbursed by the National Health Fund or another insurance institution. Conclusions: The study showed that the nursing community appreciates the role of pharmacists and has a positive attitude towards cooperation with this professional group. What is more is that it indicates willingness for interdisciplinary cooperation.
Screening of Factors for Assessing the Environmental and Economic Efficiency of Investment Projects in the Energy Sector
Authors: Karaeva Anzhelika Pirmamedovna , Magaril Elena Romenovna , Kiselev Andrey Vladimirovich , Cioca Lucian-Ionel
Published: September 2022

In view of the current agenda in the field of climate and environmental conservation, the requirements for environmental project appraisal are being tightened: the evaluation of environmental indicators of project implementation should be carried out on a par with indicators of its economic performance. Current approaches to the assessment of environmental and economic efficiency do not completely cover the negative environmental impacts of a project’s implementation, and this reduces the effectiveness of the evaluation. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a system of environmental indicators that will address the specifics of the industry. This is made possible on the basis of determining a list of key factors that should be included in the evaluation system. The purpose of this study is to determine the most significant factors for establishing a simple yet thorough assessment framework to evaluate the efficiency of energy investment projects. Research methodology includes an a priori ranking method and analysis of interrelations between factors. Based on the results obtained, the authors have formed a list of key factors that could become the basis of a future system of environmental indicators for the efficiency assessment of energy projects.
Assessing Park Quality with a Wearable Video Device and an Unmanned Aerial System
Authors: Suminski Richard R. , Dominick Gregory M. , Plautz Eric
Published: September 2022

Parks are ideal places for promoting physical activity, which is vital for achieving and sustaining good health. Thus, it is important to develop and provide the best methods for assessing aspects of parks that could influence physical activity. This study examined the use of high-tech video capture for describing park quality. Videos were obtained with a wearable video device (WVD) and an unmanned aerial system (UAS) at 28 and 17 parks, respectively. In-person audits of park attributes were performed using the Physical Activity Readiness Assessment (PARA) instrument while video was simultaneously captured. The PARA provides quality ratings of park attributes that range from poor to good. Kappa statistics were calculated to compare in-person PARA outcomes with PARA outcomes obtained by reviewing the WVD and UAS videos. Substantial and almost-perfect agreements were found between WVD and in-person PARAs on the quality of features and amenities and the severity of incivilities. Agreements between UAS and in-person PARAs on feature and amenity quality and incivility severity were unacceptable (mostly fair and moderate). In conclusion, being able to reliably assess park quality using video provides advantages over in-person assessments (e.g., retrospective analysis). In addition, it sets up the possibility of utilizing computer vision to automate the video analysis process.
Impact of Outborn/Inborn Birth Status of Infants Born at <29 Weeks of Gestation on Neurodevelopmental Impairment: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea
Authors: Cho In Young , Lee Hye Mi , Kim Sae Yun , Kim Eun Sun
Published: September 2022

This study designed to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes of outborn and inborn preterm infants enhancing the regional perinatal system in South Korea. It is a prospective cohort study of the Korean neonatal network database for infants born at <29 weeks of gestation between 2013 and 2015. Of 2995 eligible infants, 312 were outborn, and 976 completed the assessment of long-term outcome at 18–24 months of corrected age. The mean gestational age was significantly younger in outborn infants than in inborn infants (p = 0.004). The mean Apgar score at 5 min was higher in inborn infants (p = 0.046). More inborn preterm infants died before discharge (p < 0.001); however, most of the other short-term outcomes occurred significantly more often in outborn infants than in inborn infants. The outborn infants had higher odds of neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.412, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.585–3.670), cerebral palsy (aOR 4.460, 95% CI 2.249–8.845) and developmental impairment (aOR 2.238, 95% CI 1.469–3.408). In preterm infants, the location of birth may be a key factor influencing short- and long-term outcomes. Thus, to provide adequate care and efficiently allocate medical resources to high-risk preterm infants, nationwide regional perinatal systems need to be improved and standardized.
Monkeypox Virus Infections in Southern Italy: Is There a Risk for Community Spread?
Authors: Loconsole Daniela , Sallustio Anna , Centrone Francesca , Casulli Daniele , Accogli Marisa , Saracino Annalisa , Foti Caterina , Grandolfo Mauro , Buccoliero Giovanni Battista , Vitale Viviana , De Nitto Sara , Conversano Michele , Desiante Francesco , Del Sambro Laura , Simone Domenico , Parisi Antonio , Prato Rosa , Martinelli Domenico , Chironna Maria
Published: September 2022

The ongoing outbreak of the Monkeypox virus (MPXV) is characterized by sustained human-to-human transmission, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM). The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of the MPXV infection identified in Southern Italy. Clinical samples for each suspected case identified from 1 June to 1 August 2022 were tested for MPXV, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on two strains. Ten cases were identified: eight were young adult males, including six MSMs, and two were female. Nine subjects reported recent sexual exposure. One female subject without sexual exposure only reported attendance at a social gathering. Overall, 7 of 10 skin lesion samples had a high viral load of MPXV DNA, and 6/9 whole blood samples and 6/8 nasopharyngeal swab samples also tested positive. The analyzed sequences belonged to Clade 3, lineage B.1, and B.1.5, respectively. Despite this recent multinational outbreak of MPXV cases having revealed a high proportion of cases occurring among MSM, the identification of cases among heterosexual subjects and in a female subject without sexual risk factors should raise awareness among clinicians about the possible spread of MPXV in the general population.
Teachers’ Health: How General, Mental and Functional Health Indicators Compare to Other Employees? A Large French Population-Based Study
Authors: Saïd Mélèa , Temam Sofia , Alexander Stephanie , Billaudeau Nathalie , Zins Marie , Kab Sofiane , Vercambre Marie-Noël
Published: September 2022

Teachers’ health is a key factor of any successful education system, but available data are conflicting. To evaluate to what extent teachers’ health could be at risk, we used pre-pandemic data from the CONSTANCES population-based French cohort (inclusion phase: 2012–2019) and compared teachers (n = 12,839) included in the cohort with a random subsample selected among all other employees (n = 32,837) on four self-reported health indicators: perceived general health, depressive symptoms (CES-D scale), functional limitations in the last six months, and persistent neck/back troubles (Nordic questionnaire). We further restricted our comparison group to the State employees (n = 3583), who share more occupational similarities with teachers. Lastly, we focused on teachers and evaluated how their health status might differ across teaching levels (primary, secondary, and higher education). As compared to non-teacher employees, and even after adjusting for important demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and occupational confounders, teachers were less likely to report bad perceived health and depressive symptoms but were more likely to present functional limitations. Trends were similar in the analyses restricted to State employees. Within the teaching population, secondary school teachers were more likely to report depressive symptoms but less frequently declared persistent neck/back troubles than primary school teachers. Our descriptive cross-sectional study based on a probability sampling procedure (secondary use of CONSTANCES inclusion data) did not support the idea that teachers’ health in France was particularly at risk in the pre-pandemic period. Both cross-cultural and longitudinal studies are needed to further gain information on the topic of teachers’ health around the world and to monitor its evolution over time, particularly during crises impacting the education system such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anthropogenic Sewage Water Circuit as Vector for SARS-CoV-2 Viral ARN Transport and Public Health Assessment, Monitoring and Forecasting—Sibiu Metropolitan Area (Transylvania/Romania) Study Case
Authors: Boeraș Ioana , Curtean-Bănăduc Angela , Bănăduc Doru , Cioca Gabriela
Published: September 2022

Water is a risk factor for epidemics of waterborne diseases with effects on human health. In 2019, new viral pneumonia cases occurred in China and spread worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and accuracy of a wastewater-based epidemiological (WBE) monitoring tool in a SARS-CoV-2 hot spot (Sibiu City metropolitan area), namely to highlight the correlation between the number of infections on the days of sampling and the amount of viral RNA detected in wastewater. Wastewater samples were collected once a week, and viral RNA was extracted and quantified. In parallel, the daily number of SARS-CoV-2 infections was obtained from the local council. The correlation between the number of infections and viruses detected in sewage was measured by Pearson correlation coefficients. The results show the amount of viral RNA in the wastewater is directly correlated with the number of infections reported in the week up to the sampling day and also the number of infections reported for the sampling day. Moreover, correlation coefficients show the amount of viral RNA in wastewater increases in advance of the increase in reported infection cases. Therefore, WBE can be used as a tool for monitoring virus spread trends in human communities and can help anticipate the trend of this type of viral infection.
Challenges and Suggestions in Management of Lung and Liver Cancer in Uzbekistan: The Second Report of the Uzbekistan–Korea Oncology Consortium
Authors: Rim Chai Hong , Lee Won Jae , Musaev Bekhzood , Volichevich Ten Yakov , Pazlitdinovich Ziyayev Yakhyo , Nigmatovich Tillysshaykhov Mirzagaleb , Rim Jae Suk
Published: September 2022

The health burden of cancer increases in Uzbekistan as the country develops and the life expectancy increases. Management of such a burden requires efficient screening, treatment optimization, and investigation of the causes of cancer. The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan formed an advisory consortium, including clinical oncology and healthcare management experts from Uzbekistan and South Korea, to design a strategy for cancer management. Our consortium has analyzed six cancer types with high morbidity and mortality in Uzbekistan by classifying them into three categories (breast, cervical (gynecologic cancers), lung, liver (cancer common in men), stomach, and colorectal cancers (gastrointestinal cancers)). Lung and liver cancers are common causes of death in men after middle age—they can yield a serious health burden on the country and ruin the livelihood of families. In this review, we will analyze the oncologic literature and suggest practical recommendations for the treatment and prevention of lung and liver cancer in Uzbekistan. Data from South Korea, which has conducted nationwide screening for two decades and made progress in improving prognosis, will be discussed as a comparative control.
Religiosity and Beliefs toward COVID-19 Vaccination among Adults in Puerto Rico
Authors: López-Cepero Andrea , Rodríguez McClaren , Joseph Veronica , Suglia Shakira F. , Colón-López Vivian , Toro-Garay Yiana G. , Archevald-Cansobre María D. , Fernández-Repollet Emma , Pérez Cynthia M.
Published: September 2022

Religiosity may influence COVID-19 vaccination. However, it remains unclear how religiosity is associated with beliefs toward COVID-19 and vaccination against it, particularly amongst ethnic minorities. This study examined the association between religiosity, vaccination intent, beliefs, and attitudes related to COVID-19 and vaccination among adults in Puerto Rico. Data from an online survey conducted between December 2020–February 2021 among adults (≥18 yr; n = 1895) residing in Puerto Rico were used. Rating of the importance of religiosity was used to capture the level of religiosity (‘less important’, ‘somewhat important’, ‘important’, and ‘very important’). The health belief model (HBM) assessed beliefs and attitudes toward COVID-19 and vaccination against it. Adjusted Poisson models with robust error variance estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals for vaccination intent and individual COVID-19 HBM constructs. Compared to individuals rating religiosity as ‘less important’ to them, those rating it as ‘very important’ were more likely to be unwilling or uncertain to get the COVID-19 vaccine (PR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.10–2.05). Higher ratings of importance of religiosity, compared to the lowest level, were associated with significantly lower perceived COVID-19 susceptibility, more vaccine barriers, and lower vaccine benefits (all p < 0.05). Individuals who reported religiosity being very important to them were more likely to report that they will get the COVID-19 vaccine only if given adequate information about it (PR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.02–1.27) and more likely to get the vaccine if more people decide to receive it (all p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest an association between religiosity and COVID-19 vaccination intent and beliefs and attitudes toward vaccination. The study highlights important guidelines for public health campaigns to increase vaccine uptake among religious communities in Puerto Rico.
The Impact of Medical and Health Fiscal Expenditures on Pharmaceutical Industry Stock Index in China
Authors: Su Chiwei , Liu Yiru , Liu Chang , Tao Ran
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the relationship between fiscal expenditure on health care (FE) and the pharmaceutical industry stock index (SP) by using full-sample and sub-sample rolling-window bootstrap causality tests. It can be observed that there is both a positive and negative relationship between FE and SP. FE will promote the rise of the pharmaceutical stock market, which proves the Keynesian theory, while the result that FE negatively affects SP supports the classical theory. In turn, SP positively impacts FE, which indicates that the development of the pharmaceutical industry and the increase in medical and health expenditures can promote each other. In addition, the negative influence of SP on FE suggests that the impact of the pharmaceutical index on fiscal expenditure needs to be judged in conjunction with other events and market conditions. In complex economic conditions, investors can rationally consider the industry situation of the pharmaceutical market and benefit by optimising their investment portfolios. The government can regulate and guide the pharmaceutical industry by adjusting the fiscal expenditure on health care, thereby promoting the sustainable and stable development of the financial market.
An Integrated Spatial Autoregressive Model for Analyzing and Simulating Urban Spatial Growth in a Garden City, China
Authors: Qiu Bingkui , Zhou Min , Qiu Yang , Liu Shuhan , Ou Guoliang , Ma Chaonan , Tu Jiating , Li Siqi
Published: September 2022

In the past, the research on models related to urban land-use change and prediction was greatly complicated by the high precision of models. When planning some garden cities, we should explore a more applicable, specific, and effective macro approach than the community-level one. In this study, a model consisting of spatial autoregressive (SAR), cellular automata (CA), and Markov chains is constructed. One It can well-consider the spatial autocorrelation and integrate the advantages of CA into a geographical simulation to find the driving forces behind the expansion of a garden city. This framework has been applied to the urban planning and development of Chengdu, China. The research results show that the application of the SAR model shows the development trend in the southeast region and the needs to optimize the central region and protect the western region as an ecological reserve. The descriptive statistics and the spatial autocorrelation of the residuals are reliable. The influence of spatial variables from strong to weak is distance to water, slope, population density, GDP, distance to main roads, distance to railways, and distance to the center of the county (district). Taking 2005 as the initial year, the land-use situation in 2015 was simulated and compared with the actual land-use situation. It seems that the Kappa coefficient of the construction-land simulation is 0.7634, with high accuracy. Therefore, the land use in 2025 and 2035 is further simulated, which provides a reference for garden cities to formulate a reasonable urban space development strategy.
Calcareous Materials Effectively Reduce the Accumulation of Cd in Potatoes in Acidic Cadmium-Contaminated Farmland Soils in Mining Areas
Authors: Gong Sitong , Wang Hu , Lou Fei , Qin Ran , Fu Tianling
Published: September 2022

The in situ chemical immobilization method reduces the activity of heavy metals in soil by adding chemical amendments. It is widely used in farmland soil with moderate and mild heavy metal pollution due to its high efficiency and economy. However, the effects of different materials depend heavily on environmental factors such as soil texture, properties, and pollution levels. Under the influence of lead–zinc ore smelting and soil acidification, Cd is enriched and highly activated in the soils of northwestern Guizhou, China. Potato is an important economic crop in this region, and its absorption of Cd depends on the availability of Cd in the soil and the distribution of Cd within the plant. In this study, pot experiments were used to compare the effects of lime (LM), apatite (AP), calcite (CA), sepiolite (SP), bentonite (BN), and biochar (BC) on Cd accumulation in potatoes. The results showed that the application of LM (0.4%), AP (1.4%), and CA (0.4%) had a positive effect on soil pH and cations, and that they effectively reduced the availability of Cd in the soil. In contrast, the application of SP, BN, and BC had no significant effect on the soil properties and Cd availability. LM, AP, and CA treatment strongly reduced Cd accumulation in the potato tubers by controlling the total ‘flux’ of Cd into the potato plants. In contrast, the application of SP and BN promoted the migration of Cd from the root to the shoot, while the effect of BC varied by potato genotype. Overall, calcareous materials (LM, CA, and AP) were more applicable in the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils in the study area.
Ankle Joint Dorsiflexion Reference Values in Non-Injured Youth Federated Basketball Players: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Adillón Cristina , Gallegos Montse , Treviño Silvia , Salvat Isabel
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to establish ankle joint dorsiflexion reference values among youth federated basketball players. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study. The participants were basketball players who belonged to youth basketball developmental teams (female and male) from under-12 (U12) to under-17 (U17) categories. Ankle joint dorsiflexion range of motion was evaluated with the weight-bearing lunge test through the Leg Motion system. The distance achieved was recorded in centimeters. (3) Results: 693 basketball players who met the eligibility criteria and volunteered to participate were included in the study. The mean (SD) of ankle joint dorsiflexion was 10.68 (2.44) cm and the reference values were: excessive hypomobility < 6.09 (0.54) cm; hypomobility 6.09 (0.88) cm–8.43 (0.77) cm; normal 8.44 (0.77)–13.11 (0.79) cm; hypermobility 13.11 (0.74)–15.44 (0.86) cm; and excessive hypermobility >15.44 (0.86) cm. (4) Conclusions: This study provides ankle joint dorsiflexion reference values in youth basketball players from 12 to under 17 years old.
A Mixed Methods Exploration of the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Food-Related Activities and Diet Quality in People with Parkinson Disease
Authors: Ferguson Christine C. , Jung Seung E. , Lawrence Jeannine C. , Douglas Joy W. , Halli-Tierney Anne , Bui Chuong , Ellis Amy C.
Published: September 2022

Objective: The purpose of this mixed methods study was to explore the impact of COVID-19 on the ability of people with Parkinson disease (PwPs) and their care-partners to perform food-related activities (FRA) and PwPs’ overall diet quality. Methods: Using a convergent parallel mixed methods design, PwPs and their care-partners completed virtual dyadic semi-structured interviews about their FRA during the COVID-19 pandemic. PwPs completed Food Frequency Questionnaires (FFQ) to quantify their dietary intake in the previous 12 months. Qualitative data were analyzed by two coders using thematic analysis, and quantitative data from FFQs were descriptively analyzed to calculate diet quality scores. Results: Eleven dyadic interviews revealed the following key themes: cooking more at home; changes with grocery shopping; less meals with non-household members. These changes were described to increase the care-partners’ responsibilities and overall burden. Diet scores among PwPs were 73.0 ± 6.3 for the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (scale of 0–100), 29.2 ± 6.6 for the Mediterranean diet (scale of 0–55), and 10.4 ± 1.8 for the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet (scale 0–15). Conclusions: Diet scores revealed that PwPs consumed a high-quality diet during the pandemic. Findings from this study highlight the need for tailored nutrition education to support PwPs’ care-partners.
Lessons from Building a Sustainable Healthcare Exchange between the Netherlands and Cuba
Authors: Jonas Paul , Garbey Savigne Eduardo , Koster Mark , Choonara Imti
Published: September 2022

Over the past ten years, seven Dutch Universities have built a sustainable exchange with seven institutes in Cuban healthcare. The exchange was initiated by the Leiden University Medical Centre and the University of Medical Sciences of Havana. Cooperation with Cuba was chosen as Cuba has excellent primary healthcare and has a strong focus on prevention and public health. These were considered important due to the major contribution of non-communicable diseases to morbidity and mortality in the Netherlands. Exchanges have occurred with Dutch health professionals and students visiting Cuban healthcare institutions and Cuban postgraduate students studying in the Netherlands. There has been an increased awareness of the importance of public health and prevention in Dutch professional organizations following the exchange. The exchange has also helped to break the scientific and economic US blockade of Cuba and resulted in joint publications. In this review we described the process, key aspects, results and lessons learned in this process. Collaboration between Cuba (a middle income) and the Netherlands (a high-income country) is possible.
Interpersonal Violence in Belgian Sport Today: Young Athletes Report
Authors: Vertommen Tine , Decuyper Mieke , Parent Sylvie , Pankowiak Aurélie , Woessner Mary N.
Published: September 2022

Initiatives to safeguard athletes from interpersonal violence (IV) are rapidly growing. In Belgium, knowledge on the magnitude of IV in sport is based on one retrospective prevalence study from 2016 (n = 2.043 adults), involving those who had participated in organized sport for up to 18 years. Data on victimization rates in current youth sport populations are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the magnitude of IV in a sample of 769 athletes (aged between 13 and 21), using the Violence Towards Athletes Questionnaire (VTAQ). All types of IV were prevalent in this sample, ranging from 27% (sexual violence) to 79% (psychological violence and neglect). Boys reported significantly more physical violence, while girls reported significantly more sexual violence. IV perpetrated by peer athletes was reported to the same degree as IV perpetrated by a coach (70%), while IV perpetrated by a parent in the context of sport was somewhat less common, but still prevalent (48%). These findings, including factors associated with elevated exposure rates, can serve as a baseline measurement to monitor and evaluate current and future safeguarding interventions in Belgian sport.
Objectively Measured Physical Activity Is Lower in Individuals with Normal Weight Obesity in the United States
Authors: Wijayatunga Nadeeja N. , Kim Heontae , Hays Harry M. , Kang Minsoo
Published: September 2022

The role of physical activity in normal weight obesity (NWO), which is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk, is not clear. This study aimed to determine body composition phenotype-specific differences in objectively measured physical activity and sedentary time in adults in the United States. A total of 2055 adults with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 18.5 m2 were studied using 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Physical activity and percent body fat (BF%) were measured using accelerometer and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, respectively. A BF% > 23.1% and >33.3% for men and women, respectively, was considered excess. A BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2 with excess BF% was defined as NWO, while those with normal BF%, as normal weight lean (NWL). A BMI of ≥25 kg/m2 with excess BF% was considered overweight/obesity (OB). Compared to NWL, moderate to vigorous physical activity was significantly lower by 8.3 min (95% confidence interval/CI = −15.20, −1.40) and 10.18 min (95% CI = −14.83, −5.54) per day in NWO and OB, respectively. Low-intensity physical activity was also significantly lower by 17.71 min (95% CI = −30.61, −4.81) per day in NWO compared to NWL. However, sedentary time was not different. Objectively measured physical activity is significantly lower in NWO compared to NWL, while sedentary time is not.
Epidemiological Study of Physical Activity, Negative Moods, and Their Correlations among College Students
Authors: Li Bo , Tong Wen-xia , Zhang Meng , Wang Guang-xu , Zhang Yang-sheng , Meng Shu-qiao , Li Ya-xing , Cui Zhong-lei , Zhang Jun-yong , Ye Yu-peng , Han Shan-shan
Published: September 2022

Objective: Negative moods in college students have caused frequent extreme behaviors. This study analyzed the current status and correlation between physical activity and negative moods in college students. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used in the present research. Data on college students’ physical activity and negative moods were collected using the Sports Questionnaire Star software. The questionnaires were administered to college students in five colleges and universities in Henan and Jiangsu Provinces, China, and a total of 3711 correctly completed questionnaires were returned. Data on sociological and demographic information, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) were collected. The research was conducted in December 2021. Results: The low-intensity physical activity rate among college students was 55.56%, while depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms were detected in 35.14%, 65.29%, and 10.99%of the college students, respectively. Depression (K = 35.58, p < 0.001) and anxiety (K = 15.56, p < 0.001) rates were significantly different among the different physical activity intensity groups. The proportion of students who perform high-intensity physical activities was lower than those who perform low- and moderate-intensity physical activities. Conclusion: Low physical activity and high anxiety are evident among college students, and prolonged moderate-to-low-intensity physical activity (including static behavior) induces depression and anxiety. In the future, further studies can be conducted on improving the physical activity intensity of college students, improving the mental health monitoring and intervention systems of college students, and exploring the dose–effect relationship between physical activity and negative moods.
A Geological Context in Radiation Risk Assessment to the Public
Authors: Jędrzejek Filip , Szarłowicz Katarzyna , Stobiński Marcin
Published: September 2022

The work aimed to show the applicability of geological studies to the investigation of radiation risk assessment due to the presence of naturally occurring radionuclides of terrestrial origin in the soil. Soil samples were taken from a Tatra Mountains area for which geological maps were available. The concentration of selected radionuclides incl. 40K, 238U and 232Th was determined by gamma-ray spectrometry with a HPGe-detector. Radioactivities and calculated absorbed dose rates were co-related to complex bedrock matrices based on an original methodology. The correlations were proved by performing a Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The rocks that had a significant impact on the rate of absorbed dose from the soil were strongly related to the radioactivity of the uranium series. The share of the following fractions was the most significant: granite with pegmatite, gneiss, granitoid and gneiss, coquina, marl and glauconite, hard limestone, dolomite and limestone. The rock types additionally showed good correlation with radioisotopes from the thorium series. Granitoids with potassium feldspar, on the other hand, contributed the largest share of 40K radioisotope content.
Unseen Threats of Chronic Diseases among the Middle-Aged: Examining the Feasibility of Well-Defined Healthcare Vouchers in Encouraging Uptake of General Checkups
Authors: Leung Jasen Kin-Fung , Wong Martin Chi-Sang , Wong Eliza Lai-Yi
Published: September 2022

Background: The ageing population and the emergence of chronic diseases continue to pose immense challenges to the healthcare system. This study aims to explore how likely middle-aged citizens could be encouraged to attend health checkups by well-defined healthcare vouchers, and to explore potential factors associated with the uptake of health checkups. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with self-administered structured questionnaires was conducted among Hong Kong residents aged 45–59. The questionnaire consisted of 25 items, including attitudes toward healthcare vouchers and checkups, utilisation patterns of healthcare services, and socio-demographics. Results: We received 278 responses between June and September 2021. Among the study participants, 62.6% (174) attended regular checkups currently, and a total of 252 (90.6%) indicated that it was likely for them to undertake health checkups with well-defined vouchers. This proportion showed an increase of 44.8% after introducing vouchers (78 of 174) when compared with the proportion currently attending regular health checkups. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the perceived barrier of health checkup uptake included financial cost (AOR 0.367, 95% CI 0.162–0.832, p = 0.016), whilst the government’s recommendation (AOR 1.685, 95% CI 1.052–2.698, p = 0.030) and full support by the employer-purchased insurance (AOR 2.395, 95% CI 1.036–5.523, p = 0.041) were positively associated with uptakes. Conclusions: Financial cost is a significant barrier to health promotion and disease prevention. Well-defined vouchers, as a demand-side financial tool, were widely accepted by our participants as incentives to undergo health checkups. Our findings indicate that the voucher scheme could be extended to individuals aged 45–59 for health checkups by easing the financial barrier, and show the importance of involving government recommendations and employer-purchased insurance.
A Massive Green Tide in the Yellow Sea in 2021: Field Investigation and Analysis
Authors: Song Minjie , Kong Fanzhou , Li Yifan , Zhao Jin , Yu Rencheng , Zhou Mingjiang , Jiang Peng , Yan Tian
Published: September 2022

A massive green tide occurred in the Southern Yellow Sea (SYS) in 2021. As in previous years, its high biomass caused trouble to the coastal environment and landscape in 2021. Unusually, the 2021 green tide was unexpectedly massive. Thus, field surveys and remote sensing were conducted in the SYS from December 2020 to July 2021. Compared to pure satellite observations, it revealed the initial development of the green tide more clearly. Given the effects of temperature and nutrient changes on green tide biomass, we compared the environmental parameters in recent years and found no significant increase in nutrient concentrations or changes in temperature of the SYS in 2021. Relative to 2020, the 2021 green tide exhibited a wide distribution, high biomass, and prolonged duration. It was mainly affected by (1) reduced implementation of source-control measures and (2) limited Sargassum biomass, which reduced competition for Ulva prolifera. Strengthening the implementation of source control measures in Subei Shoal is recommended, which is currently the most effective way to control green tides.
Opioid Misuse: A Review of the Main Issues, Challenges, and Strategies
Authors: Biancuzzi Helena , Dal Mas Francesca , Brescia Valerio , Campostrini Stefano , Cascella Marco , Cuomo Arturo , Cobianchi Lorenzo , Dorken-Gallastegi Ander , Gebran Anthony , Kaafarani Haytham M. , Marinangeli Franco , Massaro Maurizio , Renne Angela , Scaioli Giacomo , Bednarova Rym , Vittori Alessandro , Miceli Luca
Published: September 2022

In the United States, from 1999 to 2019, opioid overdose, either regularly prescribed or illegally acquired, was the cause of death for nearly 500,000 people. In addition to this pronounced mortality burden that has increased gradually over time, opioid overdose has significant morbidity with severe risks and side effects. As a result, opioid misuse is a cause for concern and is considered an epidemic. This article examines the trends and consequences of the opioid epidemic presented in recent international literature, reflecting on the causes of this phenomenon and the possible strategies to address it. The detailed analysis of 33 international articles highlights numerous impacts in the social, public health, economic, and political spheres. The prescription opioid epidemic is an almost exclusively North American problem. This phenomenon should be carefully evaluated from a healthcare systems perspective, for consequential risks and harms of aggressive opioid prescription practices for pain management. Appropriate policies are required to manage opioid use and prevent abuse efficiently. Examples of proper policies vary, such as the use of validated questionnaires for the early identification of patients at risk of addiction, the effective use of regional and national prescription monitoring programs, and the proper dissemination and translation of knowledge to highlight the risks of prescription opioid abuse.
Prevalence of Mental Health and Social Connection among Patients Seeking Tobacco Dependence Management: A Pilot Study
Authors: Galiatsatos Panagis , Oluyinka MopeninuJesu , Min Jihyun , Schreiber Raiza , Lansey Dina G. , Ikpe Ruth , Pacheco Manuel C. , DeJaco Victoria , Ellison-Barnes Alejandra , Neptune Enid , Kanarek Norma F. , Cudjoe Thomas K. M.
Published: September 2022

Introduction: with regards to tobacco dependence management, there are certain barriers to successful smoking cessation for patients, such as untreated anxiety and depression. Complicating the impact of mental health morbidities on tobacco dependence may be the significant portion of patients whose mental health issues and limited social connections are undiagnosed and unaddressed. We hypothesize that patients with no prior mental health diagnoses who are treated for tobacco dependence have high rates of undiagnosed mental health morbidities. Methods: patients were recruited from a tobacco treatment clinic in 2021. Every patient who came for an inaugural visit without a prior diagnosis of mental health disease was screened for depression, anxiety, social isolation and loneliness. Sociodemographic variables were collected. Results: over a 12-month period, 114 patients were seen at the tobacco treatment clinic. Of these 114 patients, 77 (67.5%) did not have a prior diagnosis of a mental health disease. The mean age was 54.3 ± 11.2 years, 52 (67.5%) were females, and 64 (83.1%) were Black/African American. The mean age of starting smoking was 19.3 ± 5.2 years, and 43 (55.8%) had never attempted to quit smoking in the past. With regards to mental health screening, 32 (41.6%) patients had a score of 9 or greater on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) 9, 59 (76.6%) had a score of 7 or greater on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 7, 67 (87.0%) were identified with social isolation and 70 (90.1%) for loneliness on screening. Conclusion: there was a high prevalence of undiagnosed mental health morbidities and social disconnection in patients who were actively smoking and were struggling to achieve smoking cessation. While a larger scale study is necessary to reaffirm these results, screening for mental health morbidities and social disconnection may be warranted in order to provide effective tobacco dependence management.
Alcohol Recognition and Desire to Drink of Extended Alcohol Brand Logos
Authors: Vichitkunakorn Polathep , Assanangkornchai Sawitri , Jayuphan Jirawan , Donroman Teerohah , Prappre Tagoon , Sittisombut Monsicha
Published: September 2022

Alcohol companies in Thailand have adopted surrogate marketing that uses similar logos on non-alcoholic products. We aimed to assess variations of the alcohol recognition using reaction time and desire to drink among consumers exposed to original logos and modified logos (i.e., black logos, partial logos, logos on non-alcoholic beverages and other merchandise). Participants aged ≥19 years took part in this cross-sectional study. The primary independent variables were types of logos: original logos, modified logos (i.e., black logos, partial logos, logos on non-alcoholic beverages, and logos on other merchandise). An in-house-developed online survey randomly presented the logos. Alcohol recognition and the desire to drink alcohol were assessed. The study included 1185 participants. More time (estimated coefficient of reaction time <0.5 s) was required to recognize the modified logos than the original logos. Younger participants (19–24 years) reacted significantly faster than the older participants (>25 years) after seeing all types of logos. The desire to drink alcohol (<0.5 point) upon seeing the modified logos was lower than the original logos. No significant difference in the desire was observed between the younger and older participants upon seeing the original and partial logos. The modified logos reminded consumers of the alcohol products of that brand with a tiny difference in reaction time and the desire to drink without practical significance.