bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Once upon a Pandemic: ‘Online’ Therapeutic Groupwork for Infants and Mothers Impacted by Family Violence
Authors: Bunston Wendy , Haufe Dianne J. , Wallis Jillian R. , Fletcher Robyn , Mether Adrian J.
Published: December 2022

This case study describes the transition to an ‘online’ delivery of an evaluated infant mental health group work intervention for infants/mothers impacted by family violence during the COVID 19 pandemic. The imperative to provide early intervention to infants and their mother is outlined. The model and practice principles integral to this intervention are provided and described are four separate groups run online within two different Australian cities. Facilitators of the groups found that they were able to hold the infants and mothers safely in the online space despite the unexpected presence of others in the families’ homes. The home-based nature of the work caused by lockdown restrictions revealed a transparency not found in office-based work, whilst simultaneously, evoking some discomfort. The ease with which infants and young children embraced technology worked in favor of using the online space. Playful, restorative, and creative ways of engaging with a highly vulnerable cohort of families were achieved; enhancing relational repair following both family violence and the isolation created by restrictions imposed by lockdowns. Despite an initial hesitancy to move online, the authors discovered meaningful ways through which to engage, treat and provide safe relational repair work with infants and their mothers impacted by family violence.
Multi-Scale Assessment and Spatio-Temporal Interaction Characteristics of Ecosystem Health in the Middle Reaches of the Yellow River of China
Authors: Shen Wei , Li Yang
Published: December 2022

Exploring the assessment methods and multi-scale spatiotemporal interaction characteristics of ecosystem health is of great significance for current ecosystem health theory and application research. Based on the regional differentiation theory and ecosystem service flow theory, the spatial weight coefficient and the modified coefficient of spatial proximity effect were introduced to improve the regional ecosystem health assessment model. Then, the improved VORS model was used to evaluate the ecosystem health level in the Middle Reaches of the Yellow River (MRYR) in China at multiple scales, and the ESTDA method was used to reveal the multi-scale spatiotemporal interaction characteristics of ecosystem health. The results show that: (1) From 1990 to 2018, the ecosystem health level at grid and county scale in the MRYR showed a trend of first decline and then increase, and experienced a slow decline and a steady rise from 1990 to 2005 and 2005 to 2018, respectively. The ecosystem health level at the grid and county scale presented a spatially hierarchical structure with alternating low-value and high-value zones. (2) Compared with the county scale, the grid scale can describe the spatial distribution characteristics of ecosystem health more refined, indicating the existence of spatial scale effects in ecosystem health assessment. (3) The rapid urbanization areas, the ecologically fragile areas in the central and western regions and the transitional zone between mountain and basin have more dynamic spatial structure, and stronger spatio-temporal interaction process. (4) In terms of LISA spatio-temporal transition, the regional system as a whole had strong path-dependent and lock-in characteristics, and the local spatial correlation structure of ecosystem health gradually tended to be stable during the study period. (5) In terms of spatio-temporal interaction network, there were strong spatio-temporal competition in the process of time evolution in six typical regions, such as the surrounding cities of provincial capitals, the fringe areas of cities, the transitional zone between mountain and basin, the transitional zone of ecologically fragile regions, the mountainous areas of western Henan Province, and the areas along rivers.
Relationships between Recent Suicidal Ideation and Recent, State, Trait and Musical Anhedonias in Depression
Authors: Hein Matthieu , Dekeuleneer François-Xavier , Hennebert Olivier , Skrjanc Dephine , Oudart Emilie , Mungo Anaïs , Rotsaert Marianne , Loas Gwenolé
Published: December 2022

The aim of the study was to explore in depression the relationship between recent suicidal ideation and the different anhedonias taking into account the severity of depression. Recent studies have suggested that recent change of anhedonia and not state or trait anhedonia is associated with recent suicidal ideations even when the level of depression is controlled. Three samples were used (74 severe major depressives, 43 outpatients with somatic disorders presenting mild or moderate depression and 36 mild or moderate depressives hospitalized in the intensive coronary unit). Recent change of anhedonia was rated by the anhedonia subscale of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), state anhedonia by the Snaith–Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), trait anhedonia by the TEPS (Temporal Experience of Pleasure Scale), musical anhedonia by the BMRQ (Barcelona Music Reward Questionnaire), social recent change of anhedonia by the SLIPS (Specific Loss of Interest and Pleasure Scale), the severity of depression by the BDI-II and the distinction between melancholic and non-melancholic was found using a subscale of the BDI-II. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in each sample. In severe major depressives and, notably, in melancholia, recent suicidal ideation was associated with trait anhedonia; however, in mild or moderate depression, recent suicidal ideation was associated with recent change of anhedonia. Musical anhedonia and social recent change of anhedonia were not associated with recent suicidal ideation. Trait anhedonia could be, in severe depression, a strong predictor of recent suicidal ideation.
Open Questions on the Electromagnetic Field Contribution to the Risk of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Wyszkowska Joanna , Pritchard Colin
Published: December 2022

This work presents the current state of knowledge about the possible contributory influence of the electromagnetic field on the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and multiple sclerosis. Up-to-date literature indicates both favourable and adverse effects of electromagnetic exposure on human health, making it difficult to come to valid and unambiguous conclusions. The epidemiological data analysis from the World Health Organization statistics shows a substantial rise in neurological mortality compared with rises in total populations in developed countries over a mere 15-year period. The largest of the analysed countries produced odds ratios of >100%. The contribution of electromagnetic exposure to the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is still undoubtedly open to discussion, and it requires further in-depth research to assess the action mechanism of electromagnetic fields in neurodegenerative diseases. The limitations of research published hitherto and the problem of drawing unequivocal conclusions are also in focus.
Perioperative Management of Dental Surgery Patients Chronically Taking Antithrombotic Medications
Authors: Wójcik Sylwia , Mocny-Pachońska Katarzyna , Bisch-Wójcik Sophie , Balicz Agnieszka , Morawiec Tadeusz
Published: December 2022

The development of medicine is based not only on the introduction of new methods of treatment, but also on the use of increasingly effective drugs, including antithrombotic drugs. Drugs that inhibit the activity of platelets (antiplatelet and anti-aggregating drugs) and pharmaceuticals that inhibit the activity of plasma coagulation factors (anticoagulants) are used in antithrombotic therapy. In our daily practice we encounter patients who take chronic antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. However, more and more often we are dealing with patients who are treated with two antiplatelet drugs, an antiplatelet and an anticoagulant or even undergoing triple antithrombotic therapy. When preparing the patient for invasive craniofacial procedures, it should be assessed whether the temporary discontinuation of antithrombotic treatment due to the fear of excessive perioperative bleeding is justified and will not result in life-threatening thromboembolic complications. The authors discuss in detail the medications used in modern antithrombotic treatment and present a perioperative management procedure with a patient who takes l4 z of these medications chronically.
Evaluating Community Resilience and Associated Factors One Year after the Catastrophic Fort McMurray Flood
Authors: Obuobi-Donkor Gloria , Eboreime Ejemai , Shalaby Reham , Agyapong Belinda , Adu Medard K. , Owusu Ernest , Mao Wanying , Oluwasina Folajinmi , Pazderka Hannah , Agyapong Vincent I. O.
Published: December 2022

Background: Resilience after natural disasters is becoming an increasingly key area of research. In April 2020, parts of Fort McMurray were affected by severe floods. The flooding caused the loss of properties, evacuation of some residents, and effects on their mental health. Objective: This study explores the prevalence and associated factors between flood experience and low resilience a year after the 2020 floods in Fort McMurray. Method: Data collection was accomplished one year after the flood, from 24 April to 2 June 2021, using an online survey. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 25 using univariate analysis with the chi-squared test and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of low resilience was 37.4%. Respondents under 25 years were nearly 26 times more likely to show low resilience (OR = 0.038; 95% CI 0.004–0.384) than respondents 40 years and above. Responders with a history of depression (OR = 0.258 95% CI: 0.089–0.744) and a history of anxiety (OR = 0.212; CI 95% 0.068–0.661) were nearly four to five times more likely to show low resilience than those without a history. Similarly, respondents willing to receive mental health counselling (OR = 0.134 95% CI: 0.047–0.378) were 7.5 times more likely to show low resilience. Participants residing in the same house before the flood were almost 11 times more likely to show low resilience (OR = 0.095; 95% CI 0.021–0.427) than those who relocated. Participants who received support from the Government of Alberta were less likely to express low resilience than those who received no or limited support (OR = 208.343; 95% CI 3.284–13,218.663). Conclusion: The study showed a low resilience rate among respondents following the 2020 flooding in Fort McMurray. Factors contributing to low resilience include age, history of depression or anxiety, and place of residence after the flood. After the flood, receiving support from the government was shown to be a protective factor. Further studies are needed to explore robust risk factors of low resilience and measures to promote normal to high resilience among flood victims in affected communities.
Effects of a 12-Week Pilates Program on Functional Physical Fitness and Basal Metabolic Rate in Community-Dwelling Middle-Aged Women: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Su Chien-Hsiao , Peng Hsuen-Ying , Tien Cheng-Wen , Huang Wen-Ching
Published: December 2022

Background: The aging society worldwide carries public and inevitable issues. Aging is accompanied by multiple diseases, and the health impacts challenge healthcare and social systems. In addition to medical treatment, exercise has been recognized as an effective strategy not only for disease prevention and alleviation, but also for multiple health benefits on health promotion. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a suitable Pilates exercise intervention program on health maintenance and benefits in community-dwelling middle-aged women with a quasi-experimental design. Methods: We recruited healthy middle-aged community-dwelling women who had not regularly exercised in the previous three months. The participants were assigned to the experimental (n = 22) and control (n = 23) groups based on a quasi-experimental design. The experimental group participated in a mat-based Pilates exercise class twice a week (1 h/session) throughout the 12-week intervention, whereas there was no intervention for the control group. Body composition, basal metabolic rate, and functional physical fitness—comprising cardiovascular capacity, flexibility, muscular strength of upper limbs, muscular strength of lower limbs, core strength, agility, static balance, and dynamic balance—were assessed as primary outcomes in both groups before and after the intervention. Results: There were no significant differences in any of the dependent variables between the two groups before the exercise intervention. After the 12-week intervention, body composition, including body mass index, body fat (−1.5 to 3%), and basal metabolic rate (+10.6%), and functional fitness, including flexibility (+3.5%), core strength (+31.5%), lower-limb strength (+13.5%), agility (+7.3%), and balance (+4.2%), improved significantly in the experimental group relative to the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the improvement in physical fitness in lower-limb strength, agility, and balance for fall prevention also demonstrated higher clinical significance than the control. Conclusions: This 12-week mat-based Pilates exercise program significantly improved body composition, basal metabolic rate, and functional physical fitness in community-dwelling middle-aged women. The beneficial effects of Pilates exercise programs may thus promote improved health in the middle-aged female population, with practical implications for communities.
6-Week Supplementation with Tribulus terrestris L. to Trained Male CrossFit® Athletes on Muscle, Inflammation, and Antioxidant Biomarkers: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Fernández-Lázaro Diego , Seco-Calvo Jesús , Pascual-Fernández Jorge , Domínguez-Ortega Carlos , Del Valle Soto Miguel , Mielgo-Ayuso Juan
Published: December 2022

Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, but their effects on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in trained athletes are uncertain. The purpose of this single-blind placebo-controlled trial, in accordance with CONSORT guidelines, was to examine the effect of 6 weeks of TT supplementation on muscle metabolism, inflammation biomarkers, and oxidant status. Thirty trained male CrossFit® athletes were randomly assigned to be supplemented with 770 mg/day of TT (intervention group (IG)) or receive a placebo daily (control group (CG)) for 6 weeks. Muscle damage enzymes, inflammation biomarkers, and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) were assessed at baseline (T1), 21 days after baseline (T2), and after 42 days (T3). Grace, a Workout of the Day, was measured in T1 and T3. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was found between IG and CG in Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), and TAS levels at the end of the follow-up. Furthermore, TAS levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower at T2 and T3 relative to baseline in the IG, also LDH and CRP increased significantly (p < 0.05) at T2 and T3 relative to baseline in the CG. No significant (p > 0.05) decreases in muscle damage or inflammation biomarkers were observed, although a slight downward trend was observed after 6 weeks for supplemented athletes. TT supplementation could attenuate the CrossFit® training program-induced oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammation which could be due to the natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of TT.
The Impact Mechanism and Spillover Effect of Digital Rural Construction on the Efficiency of Green Transformation for Cultivated Land Use in China
Authors: Tang Ying , Chen Menghan
Published: December 2022

Under the context of digital economy, agricultural production will be promoted by implementing the strategy of digital rural construction and giving full play to the role of digital factor productivity. This study systematically explains the mechanism of how digital rural construction affects the efficiency of green transformation for cultivated land use. The panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2020 are analyzed through two-way fixed effect, spatial Dubin model and other methods, so as to better understand the impact of digital rural construction on the efficiency of green transformation for cultivated land use and its spillover effect. It is discovered in the study that digital rural construction is effective in enhancing the efficiency of green transformation for regional cultivated land use, and that this promoting effect stands multiple robustness tests. According to the heterogeneity analysis, the promoting effect of digital rural construction is more significant in the eastern region and among the samples with high green transformation efficiency of cultivated land use. In addition to improving the efficiency of green transformation for cultivated land use in the region, digital rural construction can also produce a positive spatial spillover effect to a significant extent. On this basis, the targeted policy recommendations are made in this paper. The first one is to improve the efficiency of green transformation for cultivated land use by accelerating the process of digital rural construction. The second one is to pay close attention to the differences in the process of digital rural construction. The third one is to better understand the “welfare sharing” characteristics of digital rural construction. The last one is to establish a mechanism of regional cooperation.
Significance of the Work Environment and Personal Resources for Employees’ Well-Being at Work in the Hospitality Sector
Authors: Demirović Bajrami Dunja , Petrović Marko D. , Sekulić Dejan , Radovanović Milan M. , Blešić Ivana , Vuksanović Nikola , Cimbaljević Marija , Tretiakova Tatiana N.
Published: December 2022

The aim of the study was to investigate whether different elements of the work environment (manifested by job demands, job control, and social support) and personal resources were linked to employees’ well-being at work. Based on data gathered from 574 employees in the hospitality industry in Serbia, it was also tested if personal resources, expressed through self-efficacy, hope, optimism, and resilience, could moderate the relationship between work environment and employees’ well-being at work. Correlation analyses showed that high job demands had negative effects on employees’ well-being, causing negative emotional reactions to their job, while job control and social support developed positive relationships with positive employees’ well-being. The moderating effect analysis found that personal resources can fully moderate the relationship between job demands and well-being at work, and job control and well-being at work. On the other side, personal resources were not a significant moderator in the relationship between social support and well-being at work, indicating that even when employees have adequate personal resources, they are not enough to decrease the negative effects of lack of social support on employees’ well-being at work. This shows how important the support of supervisors and colleagues is for employees in hospitality.
Inhibitory Effects of Antipsychotic Chlorpromazine on the Survival, Reproduction and Population Growth Other Than Neurotransmitters of Zooplankton in Light of Global Warming
Authors: Feng Sen , Zhang Yongzhi , Gao Fan , Li Meng , Zhu Lingyun , Wen Hao , Xi Yilong , Xiang Xianling
Published: December 2022

Global warming and environmental pollution have created a unique combination of abiotic and biotic stresses to zooplankton. However, little information is available on the effects of antipsychotic drugs commonly used to treat psychosis, such as chlorpromazine (CPZ), on non-target aquatic organisms in light of global warming. This study investigated how dopamine concentrations (DAC), acute toxicity and chronic toxicity of Brachionus calyciflorus changed in response to CPZ and gradually increasing temperatures. The results showed that the concentration range of rotifer DAC was 1.06~2.51 ng/g. At 18, 25 and 32 °C, the 24 h LC50 was 1.795, 1.242 and 0.833 mg/L, respectively. Compared to the control, exposure to CPZ significantly decreased life expectancy at hatching, the net reproduction rate, generation time, population growth rate and dopamine concentration of B. calyciflorus in all three temperatures (p < 0.05). The toxicity of CPZ to rotifers was increased by high temperature. These findings indicated that CPZ is highly toxic to rotifers, displaying high ecological risks to aquatic ecosystems.
The Effects of Public Open Space on Older People’s Well-Being: From Neighborhood Social Cohesion to Place Dependence
Authors: Chen Shi , Sun Yi , Seo Bo Kyong
Published: December 2022

This quantitative study examines the effects of Public Open Space (POS) on older people’s well-being and examines the roles of neighborhood social cohesion (NSC) and place dependence (PD) as series buffers. A questionnaire survey of 501 people aged 65 and over was conducted in various communities of Hong Kong. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to analyze the pathways connecting POS and well-being. A multigroup analysis examined differences in the POS–well-being associations between the young-old (aged 65 to 75, n = 166) and old-old group (aged 76 to 95, n = 166). Results show that the association between POS and emotional well-being was stronger than social and psychological well-being. POS promotes three facets of well-being through developing NSC and, subsequently, PD. Multigroup analysis results suggest that the pathway from POS to emotional well-being via NSC is stronger for the old-old group; POS is more important for psychological well-being for the young-old group. This study highlights that the quality of POS, including attractive natural elements, various amenities, and sufficient space for social interactions, is essential for making relationship-rich and health-promotive urban environments.
Sex Differences in Heart Failure Mortality with Preserved, Mildly Reduced and Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Retrospective, Single-Center, Large-Cohort Study
Authors: Mansur Antonio de Padua , Del Carlo Carlo Henrique , Gonçalinho Gustavo Henrique Ferreira , Avakian Solange Desirée , Ribeiro Lucas Carrara , Ianni Barbara Maria , Fernandes Fábio , César Luiz Antonio Machado , Bocchi Edimar Alcides , Pereira-Barretto Antonio Carlos
Published: December 2022

Background: Heart failure (HF) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Studies show that women have better survival rates than men despite higher hospitalizations. However, little is known about differences in mortality and predictors of death in women and men with HF with preserved (HFpEF), mildly reduced (HFmrEF), and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Methods: From February 2017 to September 2020, mortality and predictors of death were analyzed in women and men with HF. Baseline data included clinical characteristics and echocardiographic findings. Results: A total of 11,282 patients, 63.9 ± 14.4 years, including 6256 (55.4%) males, were studied. Females were older, had a higher baseline mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and lower left ventricular diastolic diameter. During follow-ups, 1375 (22%) men and 925 (18.4%) women died. Cumulative incidence of death was higher in men with HFrEF but similar for HFmrEF and HFpEF. Cox regression for death showed renal dysfunction, stroke, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, age, LVEF, valve disease, MI, and hypertensive CMP as independent death predictors for all HF patients. Conclusions: Women had a better prognosis than men in HFrEF and similar mortality for HFmrEF and HFpEF, but sex was not an independent predictor of death for all HF subtypes.
Pancreatitis in Pregnancy—Comprehensive Review
Authors: Mądro Agnieszka
Published: December 2022

Acute and chronic pancreatitis, until recently observed incidentally in pregnancy, has occurred much more frequently in the last 2–3 decades. Particularly severe complications for the mother and fetus may be a consequence of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, it is important to know more about the diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities of pancreatic diseases in the course of pregnancy. Epidemiology, causes, clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis, and complex management are presented in this review. Particular emphasis is on the prevention of acute pancreatitis (AP) through the proper diagnosis and treatment of cholelithiasis and hypertriglyceridemia, both before and during pregnancy. The most up-to-date reports and management strategies are presented. This publication contributes to a wide group of scientists and practitioners better understanding the discussed issues, and indicates the directions of research for the future.
Impacts of an Intervention to Improve the Identification, Referral and Safety of Those Experiencing Domestic Violence: A Mixed Methods Study in the UK
Authors: Zafar Shazia , Bradbury-Jones Caroline , Bandyopadhyay Siddhartha
Published: December 2022

This study is the first evaluation of the impacts on long-term health issues (and associations with ethnicity and poverty) of a domestic violence intervention, Identification and Referral to Improve Safety (IRIS). IRIS is a domestic violence training, support and referral programme based mainly in primary care settings. This was a convergent, parallel, mixed methods UK study. In the quantitative phase, we matched the health records of 294 patients who had a marker for domestic violence with records from a domestic violence support service to track the health conditions of participants before and after referral to IRIS. In the qualitative phase, we conducted semi-structured telephone interviews with 21 women who had received IRIS support and thematically analysed the data. Descriptive statistics indicated that, at the point of referral to IRIS, participants had a variety of health conditions, with a reduction on a number of mental and overall physical health conditions post-IRIS. Qualitative data are reported under five prominent themes: life before, driving forces for help-seeking, experiences of support, perceived impacts and recovery as a journey. Overall, we found that IRIS support was associated with a positive impact on participants. The study highlights the benefits of improved identification and referral of domestic violence survivors.
Construction, Evaluation, and Optimization of a Regional Ecological Security Pattern Based on MSPA–Circuit Theory Approach
Authors: Hu Chunguang , Wang Zhiyong , Huang Gaoliu , Ding Yichen
Published: December 2022

Ecological security is crucial for regional sustainable development; however, as modern urbanization highlights ecological security challenges, major challenges have arisen. In this paper, we take the ecological region around Taihu Lake, China, as a typical research site, extract important ecological sources and key nodes using morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and circuit theory, and propose a regulatory framework for the ecological security pattern (ESP) of the ecological region based on the spatial characteristics of sources, corridors, and nodes. We obtained the following results: (1) The ESP includes 20 ecological sources, 37 ecological corridors, 36 critical ecological protection nodes, and 24 key ecological restoration nodes. (2) Most ecological sources are large and concentrated in western Zhejiang and west of Taihu Lake, which are both important ecological sources and ecological resistance surfaces. (3) The ecological corridors spread east, west, and south from Taihu Lake, with high network connectivity. (4) Shanghai serves as the central node, with the Su-Xi-Chang town cluster and the Qiantang River town cluster serving as the extension axes for the ecological resistance hot-spot area. The center of the elliptical ecological resistance surface (standard deviation) lies in Suzhou City, located on the east shore of Taihu Lake. (5) Ecological nodes were mostly located in ecological corridors or junctions. A “four zones and one belt” pattern is suggested in order to make the land around Taihu Lake more connected and stable ecologically. This study can be used as a guide for building and improving an ecological safety network.
Potential Risk, Spatial Distribution, and Soil Identification of Potentially Toxic Elements in Lycium barbarum L. (Wolfberry) Fruits and Soil System in Ningxia, China
Authors: Zhou Tongning , Wang Yan , Qin Jiaqi , Zhao Siyuan , Cao Deyan , Zhu Meilin , Jiang Yanxue
Published: December 2022

Eight potentially toxic elements (PTEs, including nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and mercury (Hg)) in Lycium barbarum L. (wolfberries) and the associated root soil from a genuine producing area were analyzed. The potential ecological risk of PTEs in the soil and the health risk of PTEs through wolfberry consumption were determined. Geostatistical methods were used to predict the PTE concentrations in the wolfberries and soil. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was applied to identify the source of PTEs in the soil. The PTE concentrations in the soils were within the standard limits, and Cd in the wolfberries exceeded the standard limit at only one site. The bioconcentration factors (BCF) order for the different PTEs was Cd > Cu > 1 > Zn > Cr > As > Ni > Pb, indicating that Cd and Cu were highly accumulated in wolfberries. The multiple regression models for Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, and Cr concentrations in the wolfberries exhibited good correlations (p < 0.1). The ecological risk for Hg in the soil was high, whereas the risks for the remaining PTEs were mostly medium or low. Health risks for inhabitants through wolfberry consumption were not obvious. The spatial distributions of the PTEs in the soil differed from the PTE concentrations in the wolfberries. Source identification results were in the order of natural source (48.2%) > industrial activity source (27.8%) > agricultural activity source (14.5%) > transportation source (9.5%). The present study can guide the site selection of wolfberry cultivation and ensure the safety of wolfberry products when considering PTE contamination.
Perceptions of Parenting during the COVID-19 Quarantine Period, in Suceava, the Epicenter of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Romania
Authors: Marici Marius , Clipa Otilia , Runcan Remus , Iosim Iasmina
Published: December 2022

Recent findings suggest that quarantine adversely affects an individual’s wellbeing. Social isolation generally leads to many negative psychological outcomes in child development and to significant shifts in parent–child relationships. The aim of the present research was to investigate three aspects of parenting during the COVID-19 quarantine: what activities parents performed better during the quarantine, what difficulties parents had during the quarantine, and what complaints children had living in Suceava, a city that saw the greatest number of infected individuals as well as the largest death toll amongst all regions in Romania. The respondents were 201 parents from Suceava, Romania (Mage = 36.71, SD = 7.22), who answered a self-reported questionnaire after a quarantine period of between 30 and 33 days (30.04.20–2.05.20) concerning three qualitative questions and items related to parenting activity, parent–child relationships, or child behaviors. Among the key findings, the research found that parents had a good perception of their parenting skills during the quarantine time, the most difficulties reported by parents were about the newly imposed social realities, and the most obvious unmet need of children was the lack of social interactions. The findings bring to light the perception of forced time spent together by parents and children. Further research should investigate how parenting fluctuates in crisis situations such as the one highlighted in this article.
Neuropsychological Assessment of Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Almaty, Kazakhstan
Authors: Kulimbet Mukhtar , Glushkova Natalya , Snitz Beth , Tsoy Radmila , Adambekov Shalkar , Talbott Evelyn , Mereke Alibek , Wu Minjie , Zhumagaliuly Abzal , Karaca Ferhat , Chang Yuefang , Turuspekova Saule , Sekikawa Akira , Davletov Kairat
Published: December 2022

Cognitive impairment in older adults is a major public concern for Kazakhstan’s aging population. We aimed to (1) administer a neuropsychological test battery (NTB) in domains relevant to aging-associated cognitive impairment in a sample of adults aged 60+ without dementia in Almaty, Kazakhstan; (2) investigate the associations between demographic factors and test performance; and (3) provide information on the distribution of NTB scores as preliminary local normative data relevant for this population. A cross-sectional evaluation of 276 participants aged 60+ in Almaty, Kazakhstan, was conducted using cognitive instruments including tests of memory, attention, language, executive functions, visuospatial abilities, and processing speed. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine the association of demographic factors with neuropsychological test performance. The results from the regression analysis showed that those who are younger, have more years of education, are women, and are of Russian ethnicity had significantly better performance. The current study illustrated (1) the feasibility of administering the NTB to older adults in the general population in Kazakhstan; (2) the preliminary local normative neuropsychological measures; and (3) their independent associations with age, education, gender, and ethnicity. The findings are a platform for future research on dementia and cognitive impairment in older adults in Kazakhstan.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Mental Health of Urban Residents—Evidence from China
Authors: Cui Ying , Han Yue
Published: December 2022

Based on a nationwide micro-survey in China from 2018 to 2021, this paper empirically estimates the causal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Chinese residents, by exploiting the distribution of the outflow population from Wuhan as an instrumental variable (IV). Our findings suggest that for every 10% increase in the cumulative confirmed cases, the number of mentally unhealthy days reported by urban residents in the past 30 days will increase by 2.19, an increase of 46.90% compared with the mean value. The impact is more significant among females, people aged 30 or above, and private-sector employees. Further evidence highlights the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residents’ expectations of future income and confidence in macroeconomic development, both of which we interpret as mechanisms related to economic concerns. In addition, application of the multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) strategy revealed that the negative impact still exists two years post-pandemic, but it has been dramatically alleviated since the initial stage.
Zoning Optimization Method of a Riverfront Greenspace Service Function Oriented to the Cooling Effect: A Case Study in Shanghai
Authors: Jiang Yunfang , Li Xiaolin , Huang Jing
Published: December 2022

Blue-green space commonly provides multiple ecological service functions, especially thermal environment comfort for citizens. The greenspace of the riparian buffers along 22 river channels in Shanghai was selected as the study object, and remote sensing and GIS technologies were used to obtain the quantitative composition and morphological indices of riverfront greenspace and the spatial distribution data of the land surface temperature in the study area. Through BRT modelling and statistical analyses, the interactive correlations among the three aspects, namely, the spatial patterns of riverfront greenspace, their specific functional zoning, and cooling island differentiation characteristics, were explored. The results showed that different river types served for different functional zones of the city, namely, high-density built-up zoning, new urban-growth zoning in built-up areas, suburban areas, and rural areas, and had specific regular patterns of morphosis and service function of riverfront greenspace. These also led to a significant spatial differentiation pattern of cooling intensity levels, which generally appeared in the approximate circle differentiation structure of the cooling island in the city riverfront area. The study further proposed the key factors and corresponding strategies for optimizing the greenspace pattern to strengthen the cooling intensity levels of different river types. This study summarizes the landscape composition paradigm of riverfront greenspaces at the urban mesoscale and provides adaptive planning methods for better local microclimate conditions.
The Nexus between Green Perceived Quality, Green Satisfaction, Green Trust, and Customers’ Green Behavioral Intentions in Eco-Friendly Hotels: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach
Authors: Hashish Magdy El-Sayed , Abdou Ahmed Hassan , Mohamed Shaimaa Abo Khangar , Elenain Ahmed Saleh Abo , Salama Wagih
Published: December 2022

With the growing awareness of the climate change effects, hotel customers progressively intend to favor green products and services that minimize adverse environmental effects. The key factors affecting customers’ green behavioral intentions in the hospitality industry context are still under research. Accordingly, this study primarily aims at empirically investigating the nexus between green perceived quality (GPQ), green satisfaction (GS), green trust (GT), and customers’ green behavioral intentions (CGBIs) in a sample of five-star eco-friendly hotels in Egypt. More specifically, the study first endeavors to investigate the direct impact of GPQ on GS, GT, and CGBIs besides exploring the direct impact of GS and GT on CGBIs in addition to examining the potential effect of GS and GT as mediators in the nexus between GPQ and CGBIs. To achieve the study’s aim and associated objectives, a self-administrated questionnaire was developed and distributed to a convenience sample of local guests staying at certified five-green star hotels. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed, and only 304 valid forms, representing 60.8%, were used in the statistical analysis. Seven hypotheses, reflecting the direct and indirect relationships between study constructs, were examined by using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with bootstrapping technique. The study findings revealed that GS, GT as well as CGBIs are significantly positively affected by GPQ, respectively. Furthermore, GT and GS have a significant positive effect on CGBIs. Moreover, GT as well as GS partially mediate the nexus between GPQ and CGBIs. From the previous findings, it could be concluded that the increase in investment in enhancing GPQ significantly contributes to the improvement in GS, GT, and CGBIs. Additionally, the higher the GT, GPQ, and GS, the greater the revisit intention to green hotels, positive green word-of-mouth (GWoM), and intention to pay a premium for staying in environmentally friendly hotels. As a result, for enhancing CGBIs and sustaining a customer-hotel long-term relationship, hotel operators should make efforts towards maintaining GT, improving GPQ, and increasing customers’ GS as key predictors of CGBIs in the hotel industry context.
The Influence of Therapeutic Exercise on Survival and the Quality of Life in Survivorship of Women with Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Sicardo Jiménez Sebastián , Vinolo-Gil Maria Jesus , Carmona-Barrientos Ines , Martin-Vega Francisco Javier , García-Muñoz Cristina , Guillén Vargas Antonio Rodrigo , Gonzalez-Medina Gloria
Published: December 2022

Background: Ovarian cancer is the most difficult of all gynaecological cancers to treat, mainly due to its late diagnosis. Although exercise interventions have been reported to be safe and beneficial for ovarian cancer, treatment does not include it and is usually a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. It is increasingly common to include exercise as a tool to increase survival in the cancer population. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of therapeutic exercise on survival and the quality of life in survivorship in women with ovarian cancer. Methods: Literature review of clinical trials, reviews and pilot studies compiled in three databases collected in PubMed, PEDro and Scopus. Results: Of the 44 articles found, 10 were selected. Improvements in survival, quality of life and comorbidities associated with ovarian cancer were found with exercise interventions as a treatment tool. Conclusions: Through the application of therapeutic exercise, improvements in survival and quality of life were observed, as well as in the general symptomatology of ovarian cancer. No adverse effects have been found with its use, but future studies with larger sample sizes with more detailed and individualised interventions combined with conventional treatment are needed.
From Monitoring to Assisting: A Systematic Review towards Healthier Workplaces
Authors: Lopes Laís , Rodrigues Ana , Cabral Diogo , Campos Pedro
Published: December 2022

Long-term stress is associated with a decline in global health, affecting social, intellectual, and economic development alike. Although comprehensive action plans have been implemented to provide people access to mental health services and promote mental well-being, employees’ mental health generally takes second place to productivity and profit in business settings. This review paper offers an overview of the current interactive approaches used for relieving work-related stress associated with mental health. Results from the 38 included studies show that affective computing is used mainly for monitoring purposes and is usually combined with tangible interfaces that collect workers’ physiological changes. Although the ability to sense and predict employees’ affective states can potentially improve mental health in the workplace, there is a substantial disparity between monitoring one’s health and the delivery of practical interventions to mitigate stress found in the surveyed studies. Designing systems that capitalize on embodied interaction principles is paramount, especially in the post-pandemic context, as the concepts of physical and mental safety take on new meanings that must be consciously and carefully addressed, particularly in workplace settings. Finally, this paper highlights the main design implications for the effective implementation of interfaces to help mitigate stress in the workplace.
Which Protective Factors Are Associated with the Mental Health of Syrian Students in Germany? A Register-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Hosari Remy Rahim , Borho Andrea , Morawa Eva , Erim Yesim
Published: December 2022

The aim of this online, register-based cross-sectional study was to investigate the frequency of psychological distress and protective factors among 136 Syrian students in Germany. The survey measured depression and anxiety (Patient Health Questionnaire-4), post-traumatic stress (Impact of Event-Scale-6), as well as resources social support (ENRICHD Social Support Instrument), optimism (Optimism–Pessimism-2 Scale) and religiosity (Duke Religion Index). A total of 26.50% of the sample were female. A total of 38.93% met criteria for clinically relevant depressive respectively generalized anxiety symptoms and 15.72% showed prominent PTSD scores. Participants screened positive for mental distress reported significantly less social support (p = 0.001) and less optimism (p = 0.002) than participants without mental distress. In multiple regression analyses, higher levels of feeling welcome in Germany, social support and intrinsic religiosity were significantly associated with lower levels of depression and generalized anxiety. Significant associations with lower PTSD levels were found with higher levels of social support and optimism. The results show that Syrian students in Germany are more psychologically burdened compared to other Syrian refugee samples, except for PTSD. This suggests that besides the stress caused by flight and trauma, stressors such as studying and social isolation could be considered as additional impediments for mental health and require intervention measures.
The Spectrum of Thyroid Nodules at Kinshasa University Hospital, Democratic Republic of Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bukasa John Kakamba , Bayauli-Mwasa Pascal , Mbunga Branly Kilola , Bangolo Ayrton , Kavula Wivine , Mukaya Jean , Bindingija Joseph , M’Buyamba-Kabangu Jean-René
Published: December 2022

We analyzed the spectrum of thyroid nodules in patients attending the endocrinology unit care of the Kinshasa University Hospital and assessed their associated factors. We conducted a cross-sectional study, performing descriptive statistics and logistic regression. From the 888 enrolled patients, thyroid nodules were detected in 658 patients (74.1%), as mononodules in 22.5% and multiple nodules in 77.5%. Thyroid function was normal in 71.3% cases, while hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism were found in 26.1% and 2.6% of cases, respectively. Women were more affected than men (75.1% vs. 63.6%; p = 0.03). Patients with thyroid nodules were older (44 ± 12 vs. 38 ± 12 years; p < 0.001), with a family history of goiter (38.3% vs. 27.4%; p = 0.003) and residence in the iodine-deficient region (51.7% vs. 38.8%; p = 0.012); they had a higher proportion of longer delays to consultation (47% vs. 20%; p < 0.001), but a higher rate of normal thyroid function (85.5% vs. 3 1.3%; p < 0.001). Thyroid nodules were associated with the delay to consultation (for duration ≥ three years, OR: 6.560 [95% CI: 3.525–12.208)], multiparity (present vs. absent: 2.863 [1.475–5.557]) and family history of goiter (present vs. absent: 2.086 [95% CI:1.231–3.534]) in female patients alone. The high frequency of thyroid nodules observed requires measures aimed at early detection in the population, the training of doctors involved in the management and the strengthening of technical platforms in our hospitals.
Evolution and Simulation of Terrestrial Ecosystem Carbon Storage and Sustainability Assessment in Karst Areas: A Case Study of Guizhou Province
Authors: Lin Tong , Wu Dafang , Yang Muzhuang , Ma Peifang , Liu Yanyan , Liu Feng , Gan Ziying
Published: December 2022

Against the background of “carbon neutrality” and sustainable development goals, it is of great significance to assess the carbon storage changes and sustainability of terrestrial ecosystems in order to maintain the coordinated sustainable development of regional ecological economies and the balance of terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, the terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage in Guizhou from 2010 to 2020 was assessed with the InVEST model. Using the PLUS model, the distribution of terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage by 2030 and 2050 was predicted. The current sustainable development level of the terrestrial ecosystem of Guizhou was evaluated after establishing an index system based on SDGs. The results showed the following: (1) From 2010 to 2020, the terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage decreased by 1106.68 × 104 Mg. The area and carbon storage of the forest and farmland ecosystems decreased while the area and carbon storage of the grassland and settlement ecosystems increased. (2) Compared with 2020, the terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage will be reduced by 4091.43 × 104 Mg by 2030. Compared with 2030, the terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage will continue to decrease by 3833.25 × 104 Mg by 2050. (3) In 2020, the average score of the sustainable development of the terrestrial ecosystem was 0.4300. Zunyi City had the highest sustainable development score of 0.6255, and Anshun had the lowest sustainable development score of 0.3236. Overall, the sustainable development of the terrestrial ecosystem of Guizhou was found to be high in the north, low in the south, high in the east, and low in the west. The sustainable regional development of the terrestrial ecosystem of Guizhou was found to be unbalanced, and the carbon storage of the terrestrial ecosystem will keep decreasing in the future. In order to improve the sustainable development capacity of the terrestrial ecosystem, the government needs to take certain measures, such as returning farmland to forests and grasslands, curbing soil erosion, and actively supervising.