bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-Cultural Information for Japanese Nurses at an International Hospital: A Controlled Before–After Intervention Study
Authors: Nishikawa Mariko , Yamanaka Masaaki , Shibanuma Akira , Kiriya Junko , Jimba Masamine
Published: October 2022

This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of providing health information through an ordinary travel guidebook combined with a short digital video compared with an ordinary travel guidebook alone by measuring the anxiety levels of Japanese nurses dealing with foreign patients. We conducted a controlled before–after intervention study in 2016 at a major international hospital in Japan. We created two interventions: (1) a brief piece of health information from a travel guidebook for Japan, (2) the same travel guidebook, and a four-minute digital video in English on health information in Japan, titled Mari Info Japan for nurses. After each intervention, we assessed the nurses’ levels of anxiety about caring for foreign patients. We evaluated the results through statistical testing and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y. Of 111 nurses, 83 (74.8%) completed both interventions and the questionnaires. The second intervention (the guidebook and video) proved more effective than the first (the guidebook) for reducing anxiety related to caring for foreign patients. Japanese nurses can lower their anxiety about dealing with foreign patients by learning about the content of various forms of health care information currently accessible to overseas visitors. Using both guidebooks and digital videos can help to reduce nurses’ anxiety.
Patient-Reported Quality of Life, Depression, Anxiety, and Physical Activity in Patients Receiving an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator for Primary versus Secondary Prevention: A Single-Centre, Prospective, Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Krauze Natasza , Smolis-Bąk Edyta , Kowalik Ilona , Sterliński Maciej
Published: October 2022

Study objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate of the quality of life, depression, anxiety levels, and physical activity in the groups after the implantation of an ICD or CRT-D. Methods: All subjects (111 CHF patients) underwent tests to assess the quality of life (NHP), the level of physical activity (IPAQ), the level of perceived stress (PSS), and the incidence of depression (BDI). Results: After the implantation, physical activity (PA) of the patients from the primary prevention (PP) group remains unchanged, whereas in the secondary prevention (SP) group, it decreases noticeably. Physical activity is lower in the SP group in comparison with the PP group. There are no statistically significant differences in the level of depression. The scores in the second part of the NHP questionnaire indicate that the SP group significantly more often declare problems with housework and with social life than the PP group. Conclusions: 1. The type of prevention does not have an influence on the level of anxiety, stress, or depression. 2. The patients after implantation as SP are physically less active; lower PA is associated additionally with the higher NYHA class and chronic kidney disease. 3. The quality of life of the patients from SP group is at a lower level than patients from PP group.
“I Was Having My Midlife Fat Crisis”: Exploring the Experiences and Preferences of Home-Based Exercise Programmes for Adults Living with Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Power Sofie , Rowley Nikita , Duncan Michael , Broom David
Published: October 2022

The involvement of people with lived experience in the design of exercise programmes is more likely to lead to a more needs-sensitive and population-specific intervention. There is limited evidence of the integration of people with lived experience, particularly regarding home-based exercise programmes for adults living with overweight and obesity, despite this being a population that would significantly benefit from a suitably tailored programme. Semi-structured interviews were virtually conducted to explore 20 participants’ experiences of exercising at home and their preferences for the design of future home-based exercise programmes. Codes were generated through thematic analysis, highlighting considerations such as comfort within a home-based environment, a desire for social connection, and the integration of technology. Four corresponding themes were generated, encapsulating participants’ choice reasoning for home-based exercise, difficulties of engaging in home-based exercise, undertaking and adhering to home-based exercise, and factors that constitute the perfect programme. Although the involvement of people with lived experience in research can be time-consuming, this process is fundamental to the design of an effective and efficacious programme. These findings will inform the design and development of a home-based exercise programme for adults living with overweight and obesity.
Understanding the Regional Integration Process from the Perspective of Agglomeration and Urban Networks: Case Study in Central China
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhang Fangfang , Zang Yuzhu , Duan Jian
Published: October 2022

Previously, urban planning approaches have tended to convert local agglomeration into network connections to advance urban development. However, is this successful experience learned from developed counties appropriate for developing countries? Scholars hold different opinions on this debate. To answer this question, we need to examine the effects of urban agglomeration in developing countries with a quantitative method. In this paper, we introduced a method of examining network connections from a geospatial perspective to explore the practice and spatial consequences of regional integration using a new concept of “coupling distance” based on metal valence bond theory. Then we applied this method to conduct an empirical case study of the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River region in China. We found that: (1) the real integration scale of the investigated urban areas was less than one-fourth the planned area, as most of interactions between cities are local, although we see the positive facilitation of urban networks on cross-provincial integration. (2) In terms of spatial consequences, the study area demonstrated phenomena of “agglomeration shadows”, “enclaves” and “inverse integration”. Specifically, these “agglomeration shadows” were all in their province’s geometric centers, which seemed to have suffered a “central position curse”. (3) Both “enclaves” and “inverse integration” call for a readjustment of government-led regional integration planning. Differently, the former has a positive attitude towards integration while the latter holds the opposite attitude. This study hopes to provide operationalizing methods and guidelines for planners and decision makers in the field of regional integration planning.
Sex-Specific Effect of Obesity on Epiblepharon in Different Age Groups: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Wang Jin-Jhe , Lai Chien-Hsiung , Kuo Ting-Yu , Lin Meng-Hung , Yang Yao-Hsu , Chen Chau-Yin
Published: October 2022

Obesity has been regarded as a risk factor for several ocular diseases. This study aims to investigate the age- and sex-specific relationship between epiblepharon and obesity in children. A retrospective case–control study was conducted using the Chang Gung Research Database. Children ≤ 18 years of age with epiblepharon were identified from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2019. Children were classified into three groups: normal, overweight and obese groups. A total of 513 patients and 1026 controls (57.7% males) aged 1 to 18 matched by sex and age were included in the analysis. The median body mass index (BMI) of children with epiblepharon was significantly higher than that of children without epiblepharon (p < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, among boys aged 4 to 9 years, the BMI in boys with epiblepharon was significantly higher than that in boys without epiblepharon (p < 0.05) and the risk of epiblepahron in overweight/obese boys was significantly higher than in non-overweight boys (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.07–2.82 for age 4 to 6; OR = 3.06, 95% CI = 1.56–6.03 for age 7 to 9). On the other hand, among girls aged 13 to 18 years, the BMI in adolescent girls with epiblepharon was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05) and overweight/obese girls had a statistically higher risk of persistent epiblepharon than non-overweight girls (OR = 3.70, 95% CI = 1.38–9.97). The association between obesity and epiblepharon varies in strength according to age in a sex-specific manner.
Association of Number of Teeth with ADL/IADL in Korean Middle-Aged and Older Adults: An Analysis of the 7th Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Jun Nu-Ri , Kim Jae-Hyun , Park Jong-Tae , Jang Jong-Hwa
Published: October 2022

We determined the association between the number of natural and implant teeth with activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) levels in middle-aged and older adults aged ≥ 55 years. We included 6,925 participants, who underwent a computer-assisted personal interview in the 7th Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. After controlling for general characteristics, the associations between the number of natural and implant teeth with ADL and IADL levels were examined using multiple regression analysis. The participants had 21.2 natural teeth and 1.08 implant teeth on average. The ADL and IADL levels were 0.61 and 1.56, 0.40 and 1.16, and 1.10 and 0.31 in participants with ≤ 9, 10–19, and ≥ 20 teeth, respectively. There was no significant association between ADL and the number of natural and implant teeth (p > 0.05). However, a one-unit increase in IADL score was associated with a reduced number of natural (β = −0.031, p < 0.001) and implant (β = −0.194, p = 0.006) teeth. Difficulties regarding IADL were associated with fewer natural and implant teeth, suggesting that maintaining and managing the number of teeth is critical to promoting the health of middle-aged and older adults.
Association between Physical Fitness, Physical Activity Level and Sense of Coherence in Swedish Adolescents; An Analysis of Age and Sex Differences
Authors: Hafsteinsson Östenberg Anna , Enberg Anton , Pojskic Haris , Gilic Barbara , Sekulic Damir , Alricsson Marie
Published: October 2022

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness, physical activity, and sense of coherence (SOC) in Swedish adolescents (n = 2028 males, n = 1287 females) aged 14 to 18 using a cross-sectional design. Methods: Using the Swedish Physical power Mental harmony and Social capacity (FMS) student profile, participants performed physical tests measuring their cardiovascular ability (CV) and muscular strength. Questionnaires were used to measure physical activity levels (PA), the participation in organized physical training, sedentary behavior (SB), screen time, and SOC value. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to analyze the association between SOC and independent variables. Results: The regression analyses explained a small, shared variance between SOC and the independent variables in boys (4.3%) and girls (3.3%). SB showed a positive association with SOC both in girls (β = 0.114, p = 0.002) and boys (β = 0.109, p = 0.013). Abdominal strength was positively associated, while VO2max was inversely associated, with SOC (β = 0.113, p = 0.022; β = −0.109, p = 0.026, respectively) in boys. Girls had poorer fitness than boys did across all age groups except at age 18. PA levels decreased from age 14 to 18 in girls and boys, but without differences between sexes. Abdominal strength decreased from age 14 to 18 in girls and boys. In general, girls had lower SOC than boys across all age groups. Conclusions: Poor sedentary behavior was significantly associated with weaker SOC for both genders, indicating overall physical activity as the most important factor for stronger SOC. However, emotional support in vulnerable environments may have a bigger impact than physical activity or sedentary behavior on the SOC value for adolescents.
Identifying Characteristics Associated with the Concentration and Persistence of Medical Expenses among Middle-Aged and Elderly Adults: Findings from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey
Authors: Jiang Luyan , Qiu Qianqian , Zhu Lin , Wang Zhonghua
Published: October 2022

Medical expenses, especially among middle-aged and elderly people, have increased in China over recent decades. However, few studies have analyzed the concentration or persistence of medical expenses among Chinese residents or vulnerable groups with longitudinal survey data. Based on the data of CHARLS (China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study), this study sought to identify characteristics associated with the concentration and persistence of medical expenses among Chinese middle-aged and elderly adults and to help alleviate medical spending and the operational risk of social medical insurance. Concentration was measured using the cumulative percentages of ranked annual medical expenses and descriptive statistics were used to define the characteristics of individuals with high medical expenses. The persistence of medical expenses and associated factors were estimated using transfer rate calculations and Heckman selection modeling. The results show that total medical expenses were concentrated among a few adults and the concentration increased over time. People in the high medical expense group were more likely to be older, live in urban areas, be less wealthy, have chronic diseases, and attend higher-ranking medical institutions. Lagged medical expenses had a persistent positive effect on current medical expenses and the effect of a one-period lag was strongest. Individuals with chronic diseases during the lagged period had a higher likelihood of experiencing persistent medical expenses. Policy efforts should focus on preventive management, more efficient care systems, improvement of serious illness insurance level, and strengthening the persistent protection effect of social medical insurance to reduce the high medical financial risk and long-term financial healthcare burden in China.
Mortality Related to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Analysis of Multiple Causes of Death through Different Epidemic Waves in Veneto, Italy
Authors: Fedeli Ugo , Barbiellini Amidei Claudio , Marcon Alessandro , Casotto Veronica , Grippo Francesco , Grande Enrico , Gaisl Thomas , Barco Stefano
Published: October 2022

Mortality related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during the COVID-19 pandemic is possibly underestimated by sparse available data. The study aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on COPD-related mortality by means of time series analyses of causes of death data. We analyzed the death certificates of residents in Veneto (Italy) aged ≥40 years from 2008 to 2020. The age-standardized rates were computed for COPD as the underlying cause of death (UCOD) and as any mention in death certificates (multiple cause of death—MCOD). The annual percent change (APC) in the rates was estimated for the pre-pandemic period. Excess COPD-related mortality in 2020 was estimated by means of Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average models. Overall, COPD was mentioned in 7.2% (43,780) of all deaths. From 2008 to 2019, the APC for COPD-related mortality was −4.9% (95% CI −5.5%, −4.2%) in men and −3.1% in women (95% CI −3.8%, −2.5%). In 2020 compared to the 2018–2019 average, the number of deaths from COPD (UCOD) declined by 8%, while COPD-related deaths (MCOD) increased by 14% (95% CI 10–18%), with peaks corresponding to the COVID-19 epidemic waves. Time series analyses confirmed that in 2020, COPD-related mortality increased by 16%. Patients with COPD experienced significant excess mortality during the first year of the pandemic. The decline in COPD mortality as the UCOD is explained by COVID-19 acting as a competing cause, highlighting how an MCOD approach is needed.
Peer Mentoring Programs for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Refugee and Migrant Women: An Integrative Review
Authors: Gower Shelley , Jeemi Zakia , Forbes David , Kebble Paul , Dantas Jaya A. R.
Published: October 2022

Refugee and migrant women experience personal, cultural and structural challenges as they adapt to new lives in host countries. Peer mentoring programs are used to facilitate resettlement, build empowerment and improve job-readiness for refugee and migrant women; however, the effectiveness of these programs is not well understood. A systematic search of five databases, plus grey literature from January 2005 to December 2020, was undertaken, resulting in 12 articles. A narrative synthesis using thematic analysis identified the key components and outcomes of effective programs. Most mentoring programs were co-designed with community-based service providers, using participatory approaches to ensure cultural acceptability. Communication and sharing were facilitated using workshops and individual in-person or telephone mentoring. The training and support of mentors was critical. However, differences in expectations between mentors and mentees at times resulted in attrition. Qualitative evaluation revealed enhanced social support, greater empowerment and confidence for the women. There was improved access to the social determinants of health such as education, but limited success in obtaining employment. Mentoring programs can enhance refugee and migrant women’s wellbeing and social connectedness in resettlement contexts. However, it is unclear whether these benefits can be sustained over the longer term. Future programs should be rigorously evaluated through qualitative and quantitative analyses to generate conclusive evidence for best practice.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Corporate Environment Performance: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Shibo , Xiong Wanfang
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the rate of climate change appears to have accelerated, and digital transformation and environmental performance have become increasingly important in the field of corporate social responsibility. Previous studies have mainly focused on the economic consequences of digital transformation. However, research on the effect of digital transformation on reducing firms’ emissions is relatively rare. This study focused on two kinds of typical environmental pollutants: waste gas emissions and wastewater emissions. Using data on Chinese listed firms from 2010 to 2018 and adopting the fixed effect model to investigate the emission reduction effect and mechanism of digital transformation on waste gas emissions and wastewater emissions of firms, we found the following: (1) digital transformation significantly reduces pollution emissions; (2) the relationship is more pronounced in state-owned enterprises (SOEs), high-polluting enterprises, and economically developed regions; (3) to gain a more in-depth understanding of how digital transformation affects the pollution emission behavior of firms, we further conducted mechanism tests and found that digital transformation reduces pollution by increasing total factor productivity and green innovation and improving firms’ internal controls. The above conclusions still hold after a series of robustness tests, including alternative econometric specifications and overcoming potential endogeneity with an instrumental variable. Overall, our findings provide new insights into the effect of digital transformation on environmental pollution emissions. Hence, all governments should pay more attention to digital transformation for sustainable development and improved environmental quality.
Multicentric Study to Assess Helicobacter pylori Incidence, Patient Reported Adverse Events, Compliance and Effectiveness, in Real-World Setting
Authors: Mesquita André , Rocha-Castro Carlos , Guimarães Daniela , Costa Joana , Soutinho Joana , Taveira-Gomes Tiago
Published: October 2022

Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) plays an important role in chronic gastritis and globally it is estimated to be present in half of the world’s population. In Portugal, prevalence reaches 85% and its eradication is recommended using quadruple antibiotic therapy, with or without bismuth. We intended to characterize the prescribed treatments evaluating effectiveness, adverse outcomes and compliance in a real-world setting in a primary care unit. A prospective multicenter observational cohort study was developed in five primary care units of Braga, Portugal. Patients diagnosed with H. pylori infection from August 2021 to January 2022 were included. Data were collected by interview (3 weeks after treatment) and review of medical records. Comparison between two groups of treatment and multivariable analysis was conducted. We estimated 13.4 cases per 1000 adults/year from 185 diagnoses. Therapy with bismuth was the most prescribed (83.8%) with a 96.7% eradication rate. There were no significant differences between treatments. Adverse events were reported in 73.8% of inquiries and female patients were associated with higher reports of nausea (p = 0.03) and metallic taste (p = 0.02). Both eradication schemes were effective and secure. The higher rate of adverse outcomes should be validated but it could influence the debate concerning treating all patients, especially in low gastric cancer-prevalence regions.
Impact of Anthropogenic Activities on the Dissemination of ARGs in the Environment—A Review
Authors: Czatzkowska Małgorzata , Wolak Izabela , Harnisz Monika , Korzeniewska Ewa
Published: October 2022

Over the past few decades, due to the excessive consumption of drugs in human and veterinary medicine, the antimicrobial resistance (AR) of microorganisms has risen considerably across the world, and this trend is predicted to intensify. Many worrying research results indicate the occurrence of pools of AR, both directly related to human activity and environmental factors. The increase of AR in the natural environment is mainly associated with the anthropogenic activity. The dissemination of AR is significantly stimulated by the operation of municipal facilities, such as wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) or landfills, as well as biogas plants, agriculture and farming practices, including animal production and land application of manure. These activities entail a risk to public health by spreading bacteria resistant to antimicrobial products (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Furthermore, subinhibitory concentrations of antimicrobial substances additionally predispose microbial consortia and resistomes to changes in particular environments that are permeated by these micropollutants. The current state of knowledge on the fate of ARGs, their dissemination and the complexity of the AR phenomenon in relation to anthropogenic activity is inadequate. This review summarizes the state-of-the-art knowledge on AR in the environment, in particular focusing on AR spread in an anthropogenically altered environment and related environmental consequences.
Primary Investigation of Low Back Pain among Saudi Arabians: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alrushud Asma Saad , Alamam Dalyah Mohammed , Almurdi Muneera Mohammed , Almutairi Shouq Khalid , Alzahrani Razan Othman , Alanazi Manal Salem , Dhahi Wafa Madani , Alshaiqy Dimah Majid
Published: October 2022

Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent disease that affects all ages and is a symptom that induces immobility. Patients’ beliefs may influence LBP management, and adjusting detrimental beliefs is required to improve treatment outcomes. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of LBP within the Saudi population and beliefs regarding LBP, physical activity, rest, imaging, and medication. People with LBP were targeted with a questionnaire containing sections on demographic information and the validated Back Beliefs Questionnaire (BBQ), in addition to questions regarding imaging, physical activity, rest and medication. A total of 651 responses were received, 559 of them (86%) experienced LBP. The most common age group was those aged 18–21 (n = 221), 80% from females. The average BBQ score was 27.8 (SD = 5.58). The majority of the respondents held the following beliefs, which are contrary to the best available evidence: back pain must be rested (77.1%) and X-rays or scans are required to gain the best medical care for LBP (73.2%). The Saudi population holds unhelpful beliefs that may affect their quality of life. Healthcare professionals working with patients with LBP have an important role in changing detrimental beliefs and behaviors about the condition.
Input Digitization of the Manufacturing Industry and Carbon Emission Intensity Based on Testing the World and Developing Countries
Authors: Fang Hui , Jiang Chunyu , Hussain Tufail , Zhang Xiaoye , Huo Qixin
Published: October 2022

Facing the increasingly deteriorating climate, carbon emission reduction has become a global consensus. In particular, as an industry with very serious pollution emissions, the manufacturing industry is under enormous pressure to reduce environmental consumption. At the same time, against the background of rapid digitization development, the production and organization of the manufacturing industry have greatly changed, which also provides new research ideas for global carbon emission reduction. Based on the panel data of 40 major economies in the world, this paper calculates the degree of input digitization of the manufacturing industry using the input–output method and constructs a triple fixed effect model to analyze the impact of manufacturing’s input digitization on its carbon emission intensity from the perspective of the world and developing countries. The research finds that, first, on the global level, input digitization significantly reduces the carbon emission intensity of manufacturing, and the effect of carbon reduction increases gradually over time, with a noticeable industry spillover effect. Second, the test results from developing countries show that the relationship between digital input from developed countries and manufacturing’s carbon intensity in developing countries presents an inverted U shape. Third, heterogeneity analysis shows that digital input has the most obvious effect on carbon reduction in the pollution-intensive manufacturing sector. Tracking the sources of digital input, it is found that digital input from high-tech economies has the most obvious effect on carbon reduction. The paper takes the lead in clarifying the impact of digitization on carbon emissions from the manufacturing sector, expands the existing research on the digital economy and the environment, and also makes a theoretical contribution to global carbon emission reduction.
The Effects and Types of Parental Involvement in School-Based Sport and Health Programs Still Represent a Knowledge Gap: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kovács Klára , Kovács Karolina , Bacskai Katinka , Békési Zsolt , Oláh Ádám , Pusztai Gabriella
Published: October 2022

Background: Health-related behaviours and attitudes acquired in childhood significantly shape health behaviours in adulthood and play an important role in preventing children from becoming overweight. Interventions incorporating parental involvement can provide outstanding support in shaping a child’s health-related behaviour. However, parental involvement has not been investigated from the perspective of efficacy except for obesity. Therefore, this systematic review investigates school-based physical activity intervention programmes incorporating parental involvement. We aim to explore the impact of these programmes and the parental involvement they provide on behaviours that influence child health, which are essential for preventing children and adults from becoming overweight and promoting health-conscious lifestyles. Methods: This systematic literature review follows PRISMA guidelines. The EBSCO Discovery Service Search Engine was used for searching for literature. Papers included met the following inclusion criteria: (1) reported original, empirical research or systematic review published in a peer-reviewed journal; (2) primary or secondary school age (6–18 years) as the target population; (3) examined school-based sport or health prevention and intervention programs; (4) only healthy children and youth in the indicated age group; (5) school-based prevention or intervention program; (6) examines parental involvement; (7) in the English language, and (8) in disciplines of education, psychology, social work, sociology, social sciences and humanities. Results: An extremely limited number of interventions of sufficient quality address the role of parental involvement (N = 17). The forms of parental involvement show a huge variety, ranging from leaflets, home packs, sports organisations “forced” by the pandemic, parent meetings, programmes, courses, and school programmes with diverse children over several months (cooking together, gardening, playing sports together, etc.). Therefore, it is difficult to measure their effectiveness and impact. Conclusions: The impact of parental involvement on children’s health behaviour, especially physical activity and nutrition, as two of the most important factors in preventing them from becoming overweight, are unclear, and other correlations, e.g., academic achievement, are scarce.
Oral Health Status of Children and Adolescents Living with HIV Undergoing Antiretroviral Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lam Phoebe Pui Ying , Zhou Ni , Wong Hai Ming , Yiu Cynthia Kar Yung
Published: October 2022

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) increases the survival of HIV-infected children, but might also bring in oral health-related side effects and increase their risks of oral diseases. The review compared the oral health status of children living with HIV (CLWH) undergoing ART with healthy controls. Dual independent screening and study selection from four electronic databases and manual searches, data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and quality-of-evidence evaluation with Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation were performed. Twelve studies were included in qualitative and quantitative analysis. CLWH taking ART had a significantly higher prevalence of periodontal diseases (OR = 3.11, 95% CI 1.62–5.97), mucosal hyperpigmentation (OR = 20.35, 95% CI 3.86–107.39), and orofacial-related opportunistic infections than healthy controls. No significant differences regarding caries prevalence and tooth development were identified. Those with CD4+ T-cell counts below 250 cells/mm3 were more likely to manifest opportunistic infections, while medication duration had minimal influence on the prevalence of orofacial opportunistic infections. The current findings did not identify HIV and antiretroviral status as predisposing factors to dental caries, but affirmed the associated increased risk of periodontal diseases, mucosal hyperpigmentation and candidiasis.
How to Efficiently Reduce the Carbon Intensity of the Heavy Industry in China? Using Quantile Regression Approach
Authors: Xu Bin
Published: October 2022

This decoupling between carbon dioxide emissions and the heavy industry is one of the main topics of government managers. This paper uses the quantile regression approach to investigate the carbon intensity of China’s heavy industry, based on 2005–2019 panel data. The main findings are as follows: (1) incentive-based environmental regulations have the greater impact on the carbon intensity in Jiangsu, Shandong, Zhejiang, Henan, Liaoning, and Shaanxi, because these provinces invest more in environmental governance and levy higher resource taxes; (2) the impact of mandatory environmental regulations on carbon intensity in Beijing, Tianjin, and Guangdong provinces is smaller, since these three provinces have the fewest enacted environmental laws and rely mainly on market incentives; (3) conversely, foreign direct investment has contributed most to carbon intensity reduction in Tianjin, Beijing, and Guangdong provinces, because these three have attracted more technologically advanced foreign-funded enterprises; (4) technological progress contributes more to the carbon intensity in the low quantile provinces, because these provinces have more patented technologies; (5) the carbon intensity of Shaanxi, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia provinces is most affected by energy consumption structures because of their over-reliance on highly polluting coal.
Were Women Staying on Track with Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Malaria in Antenatal Care Settings? A Cross-Sectional Study in Senegal
Authors: Zhang Karen , Liang Di , Zhang Donglan , Cao Jun , Huang Jiayan
Published: October 2022

A significant gap exists between high rates of antenatal care attendance and low uptake of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) in Senegal. This study aims to investigate whether IPTp-SP is delivered per Senegal’s national guidelines and to identify factors affecting the delivery of IPTp-SP at antenatal care visits. A secondary analysis was conducted using the 2014 and 2016 Senegal’s Service Provision Assessment. The study sample consists of 1076 antenatal care across 369 health facilities. Multiple logit regression models were used to estimate the probability of receiving IPTp-SP during the antenatal care visit based on prior receipt of IPTp-SP and gestational age during the current pregnancy. At an antenatal care visit, the probability of receiving IPTp-SP is 84% (95% CI = [83%, 86%]) among women with no IPTp-SP history and 85% (95% CI = [79%, 92%]) among women with one prior dose. Women who visit a facility in the top quintile of the proportion of IPTp trained staff have a nearly 4-fold higher odds of receiving IPTp compared to those who visit a facility in the bottom quintile (95% CI = [1.54, 9.80]). The dose and timing of IPTp-SP provided in antenatal care settings in Senegal did not always conform with the national guideline. More training for providers and patient engagement is warranted to improve the uptake of IPTp-SP in antenatal care visits.
Spatial Differentiation and Influencing Factors in the Ecological Well-Being Performance of Urban Agglomerations in the Middle Reaches of the Yangtze River: A Hierarchical Perspective
Authors: Zhu Yuanyuan , Zhang Rui , Cui Jiaxing
Published: October 2022

Improving the ecological well-being performance (EWP) of natural resources and environmental consumption in relation to human well-being, within the ecological boundary, is necessary for sustainable development. This study used the Super-SBM model to measure the urban EWP of urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River (MRYRUA) in 2020. The spatial differentiation characteristics of EWP in the MRYRUA were identified. The heterogeneity in the direction and size of the influencing factors of EWP at different urban hierarchy (UH) levels was empirically tested by establishing a threshold model. The results are as follows: (1) In 2020, the EWP of the study area showed a trend of high levels in the southwest and low levels in the northeast. The EWP presented a multi-center “core–periphery” distribution, and the characteristic of “central collapse” was evident. The UH level of the middle and lower hierarchy-level cities was inconsistent with its EWP. (2) A non-single linear relationship was found between the influencing factors of the EWP of the MRYRUA and the EWP. The impacts of technological progress, industrial structure, environmental regulation, and population density on the EWP of the MRYRUA all showed threshold characteristics. (3) Heterogeneity and stages were both observed for the influencing factors of EWP under different UH levels. The effect of technological progress on EWP presented the characteristics of bidirectional and two-stage developments, and environmental regulation presented the features of a significant positive three-stage development. Both industrial structure and population density presented two-stage aspects, but the former acted in a negative direction, while the latter served in a positive order. This study provides a theoretical basis for the government to formulate differentiated regional policies and promote the coordinated improvement of EWP among cities at all hierarchy levels in the urban agglomeration. This study is of great significance to the sustainable development of urban agglomerations. Its results can provide a reference for other urban agglomerations, metropolitan areas, and city clusters worldwide to coordinate economic development, ecological protection, and to improve people’s well-being.
Analysis of the Lockdown Effects on the Economy, Environment, and COVID-19 Spread: Lesson Learnt from a Global Pandemic in 2020
Authors: Yamaka Woraphon , Lomwanawong Siritaya , Magel Darin , Maneejuk Paravee
Published: October 2022

Lockdown policies have been implemented to reduce COVID-19 transmission worldwide. However, the shutdown of activities has resulted in large economic losses, and it has been widely reported that lockdown measures have resulted in improved air quality. Therefore, many previous studies have attempted to investigate the impacts of the COVID-19-induced lockdowns on the economy, environment, and COVID-19 spread. Nevertheless, the heterogeneity among countries worldwide in the economic, environmental, and public health aspects and the spatial effects of decomposition have not been well investigated in the existing related literature. In this study, based on the cross-sectional data of 158 countries in 2020 and the proposed nonlinear simultaneous spatial econometric models, we investigate the nonlinear and spatial impacts of the COVID-19-induced lockdowns on the economy, environment, and COVID-19 spread. The findings show that lockdowns have had statistically significant negative economic impacts and beneficial environmental consequences but no effect on COVID-19 spread. Noteworthily, this study also found the length of lockdown periods to affect the three domains of interest differently, with a piece of empirical evidence that the imposition of lockdowns for more than 31 days a year could result in economic impairments but contribute to environmental improvements. Lockdowns were shown to have substantially reduced PM2.5 not only in the countries that imposed the measures but also indirectly in the neighboring countries as a spatial spillover effect.
Risk Assessment of Deep Coal and Gas Outbursts Based on IQPSO-SVM
Authors: Zhu Junqi , Yang Li , Wang Xue , Zheng Haotian , Gu Mengdi , Li Shanshan , Fang Xin
Published: October 2022

Coal and gas outbursts seriously threaten the mining safety of deep coal mines. The evaluation of the risk grade of these events can effectively prevent the occurrence of safety accidents in deep coal mines. Characterized as a high-dimensional, nonlinear, and small-sample problem, a risk evaluation method for deep coal and gas outbursts based on an improved quantum particle swarm optimization support vector machine (IQPSO-SVM) was constructed by leveraging the unique advantages of a support vector machine (SVM) in solving small-sample, high-dimension, and nonlinear problems. Improved quantum particle swarm optimization (IQPSO) is used to optimize the penalty and kernel function parameters of SVM, which can solve the optimal local risk and premature convergence problems of particle swarm optimization (PSO) and quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) in the training process. The proposed algorithm can also balance the relationship between the global search and local search in the algorithm design to improve the parallelism, stability, robustness, global optimum, and model generalization ability of data fitting. The experimental results prove that, compared with the test results of the standard SVM, particle swarm optimization support vector machine (PSO-SVM), and quantum particle swarm optimization support vector machine (QPSO-SVM) models, IQPSO-SVM significantly improves the risk assessment accuracy of coal and gas outbursts in deep coal mines. Therefore, this study provides a new idea for the prevention of deep coal and gas outburst accidents based on risk prediction and also provides an essential reference for the scientific evaluation of other high-dimensional and nonlinear problems in other fields. This study can also provide a theoretical basis for preventing coal and gas outburst accidents in deep coal mines and help coal mining enterprises improve their safety management ability.
Sustainability Assessment of Water Resources Use in 31 Provinces in China: A Combination Method of Entropy Weight and Cloud Model
Authors: Zhang Yi , Xue Wenwen , Wen Yingnan , Wang Xianjia
Published: October 2022

As a fundamental and strategic resource, water is a crucial controlling element of ecosystem and natural environment and it plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining and promoting the sustainable development of the economy and society. To achieve the sustainable development of society, the economy and ecology, it is necessary to assess and improve the sustainability of water resources use. Based on the Human–Resource–Nature approach, this paper constructed an indicator system for the sustainability assessment of water resources use (ISSAWRU) in China from three perspectives: water resources condition, socio-economy and ecological environment. A five-level hierarchy of assessment indicators was established. Based on the entropy weight method and the cloud model which took both fuzziness and randomness into account, this paper established an entropy-cloud-based assessment model for the sustainability assessment of water resources use in 31 provinces in China in 2019. The assessment results were compared with results obtained by the TOPSIS method to test their reliability. Finally, a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the sustainability of water resources use in China was conducted. According to the results, water resources per capita had a weighting of 0.306 and the greatest impact on the sustainable use of water resources. In addition, water structure, agricultural water use efficiency, forest coverage, and so on, had a significant impact on the sustainable use of water resources in China. The overall level of sustainability of water resources use in 31 provinces in China was not high—42% of the regions have unsustainable water resources use and there was a clear spatial distribution trend. The sustainability level of water resources use was higher in the southeast and economically developed regions. Therefore, each region should develop measures to guarantee water security based on the local conditions. This research helps policy makers to figure out the contributing factors associated with sustainability of water resources use and to set relevant rules and regulations to promote the use of water resources in a sustainable way.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and COVID-19 Stress on Changes in Mental Health among Young Adults
Authors: Alradhi Meshari A. , Moore Jessy , Patte Karen A. , O’Leary Deborah D. , Wade Terrance J.
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has been linked to poor mental health outcomes and may be particularly damaging for young adults who may be more affected by governmental pandemic responses such as mandatory school and work closures, online schooling, and social isolation. Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) has also been shown to have a significant impact on mental health among young adults. This prospective study examined whether young adults with higher ACE profiles were more vulnerable to COVID-19 stressors. Using pre-COVID-19 data from the Niagara Longitudinal Heart Study and a follow-up online survey during COVID-19, we examined 171 young adults and found that high COVID-19-related stress, especially emotional and relationship stress, led to a greater reduction in mental health among young adults with higher levels of ACEs. Findings indicate that young adults with high ACE profiles may benefit from resources and intervention programs directed at mental health in times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Refining the Nutrition Environment Measures Survey (NEMS) for Healthy Community Stores: Adaptations to Capture Alternative Food Retailers and Align with Dietary Guidelines
Authors: Hill Alex B. , Kaur Ravneet , Sundermeir Samantha M. , Kasprzak Christina , Winkler Megan , John Sara , Dombrowski Rachael D. , Bode Bree , Gittelsohn Joel
Published: October 2022

Inadequate consumption of healthy food is an ongoing public health issue in the United States. Food availability measures of supply versus consumption of healthy foods are disconnected in many studies. There is a need for an objective assessment of the food environment in order to assess how the food supply aligns with the Healthy Eating Index (HEI). Data were collected as part of the Healthy Community Stores Case Study Project, including a refined Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for Healthy Community Stores (NEMS-HCS) and an updated Healthy Food Availability Index that aligns with the Healthy Eating Index (HFAHEI). This paper will focus on the NEMS-HCS development process, findings, and HFAHEI application. All food items were more likely to be found at grocery stores rather than corner stores. Food pricing was often above the Consumer Price Index averages for six food items. The NEMS-HCS assessment better aligned with the HEI because it included a wider variety of meats, frozen fruits and vegetables, and an increased selection of whole grains. HFAHEI scoring was inclusive of non-traditional and alternative community stores with a health focus, making it suitable for use at the local level, especially in neighborhoods where supermarkets and large chain stores are less common.
Measurement and Decomposition of the Health Poverty of Rural Residents in China
Authors: Jia Haiyan , Sai Xiaoyu , Su Yangyue , Huang Ying
Published: October 2022

Narrowing the health gap and promoting health equality is the key to effectively blocking the intergenerational transmission of rural poverty. Previous studies have mainly focused on the relationship between health and poverty, but assessments of health poverty are lacking, especially with regard to the health poverty of rural residents. Based on China’s large sample household survey data, this study uses the Alkire–Foster (AF) method to measure and decompose the health poverty of rural residents. The results show that the health poverty of Chinese rural residents greatly improved from 2016 to 2018. However, significant regional differences exist with regard to the level of health poverty. The marginal contribution of economic poverty alleviation is diminishing; the equalization of health services and security has shifted to a policy focus. Community environmental management has also become an important aspect of health poverty governance, and individual health literacy and behavior have played an important role in endogenous poverty alleviation. Ultimately, this paper offers some insightful policy implications. This study extends the multidimensional poverty measurement system and reveals the relationship between health poverty and regional economic and social development. The findings also enhance the understanding of the health poverty of rural residents in developing countries.