bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
5-Hydroxymethylfurfural Formation in Bread as a Function of Heat Treatment Intensity: Correlations with Browning Indices
Authors: Giovanelli Gabriella , Cappa Carola
Published: February 2021

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is formed during bread baking as a Maillard reaction product (MRP); it can exert toxicity and it is regarded as a potential health risk because of its high consumption levels in western diets. The aim of this study was to evaluate HMF formation in bread as a function of heat treatment intensity (HTI) and to investigate correlations between HMF and easily detectable browning indices. White breads were baked at 200 °C and 225 °C for different baking times for a total of 24 baking trials. Browning development was evaluated by reflectance colorimetric and computer vision colour analysis; MRP were quantified spectrophotometrically at 280, 360 and 420 nm and HMF was determined by HPLC. HMF concentrations varied from 4 to 300 mg/kg dw. Colour indices (100–L*) and Intensity mean resulted significantly correlated between each other (r = −0.961) and with MRP (r ≥ 0.819). The effects of the different HTI were visualized by principal component analysis and the data were used to evaluate the best fitting regression models between HMF concentration and other browning indices, obtaining models with high correlation coefficients (r > 0.90).
Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Different Species of Vespa Hornets
Authors: Ghosh Sampat , Namin Saeed Mahamadzade , Meyer-Rochow Victor Benno , Jung Chuleui
Published: February 2021

We genetically identified three different species of hornets and analyzed the nutrient compositions of their edible brood. Samples were collected from a commercial production unit in Shizong province of China and from forests near Andong City in Korea. The species were identified as Vespa velutina, V. mandarinia, and V. basalis from China and V. velutina from Korea. Farmed V. velutina and V. mandarinia were found to have similar protein contents, i.e., total amino acids, whereas V. basalis contained less protein. The V. velutina brood collected from the forest contained the highest amount of amino acids. Altogether 17 proteinogenic amino acids were detected and quantified with similar patterns of distribution in all three species: leucine followed by tyrosine and lysine being predominant among the essential and glutamic acid among the non-essential amino acids. A different pattern was found for fatty acids: The polyunsaturated fatty acid proportion was highest in V. mandarinia and V. basalis, but saturated fatty acids dominated in the case of V. velutina from two different sources. The high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids in the lipids of the hornets could be expected to exhibit nutritional benefits, including reducing cardiovascular disorders and inflammations. High minerals contents, especially micro minerals such as iron, zinc, and a high K/Na ratio in hornets could help mitigate mineral deficiencies among those of the population with inadequate nutrition.
Autoimmunity and Genetic Syndromes: A Focus on Down Syndrome
Authors: Ferrari Marta , Stagi Stefano
Published: February 2021

Within immune system-related diseases, autoimmunity has always represented a field of great interest, although many aspects remain poorly understood even today. Genetic syndromes associated with immunity disorders are common and represent an interesting model for a better understanding of the underlying mechanism of autoimmunity predisposition. Among these conditions, Down syndrome (DS) certainly deserves special attention as it represents the most common genetic syndrome associated with immune dysregulation, involving both innate and adaptive immunity. Autoimmunity represents a well-known complication of DS: it is estimated that people affected by this disease present a risk four to six times higher than the normal population to develop autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease, type 1 diabetes mellitus, and hypo- or hyperthyroidism. Several factors have been considered as possible etiology, including genetic and epigenetic modifications and immune dysregulation. In times in which the life expectancy of people with DS has been extremely prolonged, thanks to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease and infectious complications, knowledge of the mechanisms and proper management of autoimmune diseases within this syndrome has become essential. In this short review, we aim to report the current literature regarding the genetic, immune, and environmental factors that have been proposed as the possible underlying mechanism of autoimmunity in individuals with DS, with the intent to provide insight for a comprehensive understanding of these diseases in genetic syndromes.
Retinal Oxygenation in Inherited Diseases of the Retina
Authors: Türksever Cengiz , López Torres Lisette T. , Valmaggia Christophe , Todorova Margarita G.
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between retinal metabolic alterations (retinal vessel oximetry, RO) and structural findings (retinal vessel diameter, central retinal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, RNFL) in patients with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). (2) Methods: A total of 181 eyes of 92 subjects were examined: 121 eyes of 62 patients with IRDs were compared to 60 eyes of 30 healthy age-matched controls. The retinal vessel oximetry was performed with the oxygen saturation measurement tool of the Retinal Vessel Analyser (RVA; IMEDOS Systems UG, Jena, Germany). The oxygen saturation in all four major peripapillary retinal arterioles (A-SO2; %) and venules (V-SO2; %) were measured and their difference (A-V SO2; %) was calculated. Additionally, retinal vessel diameters of the corresponding arterioles (D-A; µm) and venules (D-V; µm) were determined. The peripapillary central retinal thickness and the RNFL thickness were measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA). Moreover, we calculated the mean central retinal oxygen exposure (cO2-E; %/µm) and the mean peripapillary oxygen exposure (pO2-E; %/µm) per micron of central retinal thickness and nerve fiber layer thickness by dividing the mean central retinal thickness (CRT) and the RNFL thickness with the mean A-V SO2. (3) Results: Rod-cone dystrophy patients had the highest V-SO2 and A-SO2, the lowest A-V SO2, the narrowest D-A and D-V and the thickest RNFL, when compared not only to controls (p ≤ 0.040), but also to patients with other IRDs. Furthermore, in rod-cone dystrophies the cO2-E and the pO2-E were higher in comparison to controls and to patients with other IRDs (p ≤ 0.005). Cone-rod dystrophy patients had the lowest cO2-E compared to controls and patients with other IRDs (p ≤ 0.035). Evaluated in central zones, the cO2-E was significantly different when comparing cone-rod dystrophy (CRD) against rod-cone dystrophy (RCD) patients in all zones (p < 0.001), whereas compared with controls and patients with inherited macular dystrophy this was observed only in zones 1 and 2 (p ≤ 0.018). The oxygen exposure was also the highest in the RCD group for both the nasal and the temporal peripapillary area, among all the evaluated groups (p ≤ 0.025). (4) Conclusions: The presented metabolic-structural approach enhances our understanding of inherited photoreceptor degenerations. Clearly demonstrated through the O2-E comparisons, the central and the peripapillary retina in rod-cone dystrophy eyes consume less oxygen than the control-eyes and eyes with other IRDs. Rod-cone dystrophy eyes seem to be proportionally more exposed to oxygen, the later presumably leading to more pronounced oxidative damage-related remodeling.
Preliminary Modeling of Rockfall Runout: Definition of the Input Parameters for the QGIS Plugin QPROTO
Authors: Castelli Marta , Torsello Giulia , Vallero Gianmarco
Published: February 2021

The identification of the most rockfall-prone areas is the first step of the risk assessment procedure. In the case of land and urban planning, hazard and risk analyses involve large portions of territory, and thus, preliminary methods are preferred to define specific zones where more detailed computations are needed. To reach this goal, the QGIS-based plugin QPROTO was developed, able to quantitatively compute rockfall time-independent hazard over a three-dimensional topography on the basis of the Cone Method. This is obtained by combining kinetic energy, passing frequency and detachment propensity of each rockfall source. QPROTO requires the definition of few angles (i.e., the energy angle ϕp and the lateral angle α) that should take into account all the phenomena occurring during the complex block movement along the slope. The outputs of the plugin are a series of raster maps reporting the invasion zones and the quantification of both the susceptibility and the hazard. In this paper, a method to relate these angles to some characteristics of the block (volume and shape) and the slope (inclination, forest density) is proposed, to provide QPROTO users with a tool for estimating the input parameters. The results are validated on a series of case studies belonging to the north-western Italian Alps.
Using Geomembrane Liners to Reduce Seepage through the Base of Tailings Ponds—A Review and a Framework for Design Guidelines
Authors: Tuomela Anne , Ronkanen Anna-Kaisa , Rossi Pekka M. , Rauhala Anssi , Haapasalo Harri , Kujala Kauko
Published: February 2021

Geomembranes are used worldwide as basin liners in tailings ponds to decrease the permeability of the foundation and prevent further transportation of harmful contaminants and contaminated water. However, leakage into the environment and damage to the geomembrane have been reported. This paper reviews available literature and recommendations on geomembrane structures for use as a basal liner in tailings ponds, and presents a framework to achieve early involvement and an integrated approach to geomembrane structure design. Cohesive planning guidelines or legislative directions for such structures are currently lacking in many countries, which often means that the structure guidelines for groundwater protection or landfill are applied when designing tailings storage facilities (TSF). Basin structure is generally unique to each mine but, based on the literature, in the majority of cases the structure has a single-composite liner. The type of liner system used depends mainly on the material to be used on top of the structure, local hydraulic pressure gradient, and climate conditions. More practical information and scientific knowledge on the use of base liners in various cases are needed. A sustainable approach could be risk-based design, where the life cycle of the basin is taken into consideration. To this end, this paper proposes geomembrane-lined tailings pond to be assessed as a stakeholder. Emphasis on this, early enough, can ensure critical factors for tailings ponds to be considered from the outset in the design of mines and reduces the environmental footprint of the mining industry. More holistic project management and early involvement and integration are recommended to improve construction quality during the entire life cycle of the pond. In the long term, use of dry stacking or other alternative methods should be encouraged, despite the higher costs for operators.
Embodied Imagination and Metaphor Use in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Rucińska Zuzanna , Fondelli Thomas , Gallagher Shaun
Published: February 2021

This paper discusses different frameworks for understanding imagination and metaphor in the context of research on the imaginative skills of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In contrast to a standard linguistic framework, it advances an embodied and enactive account of imagination and metaphor. The paper describes a case study from a systemic therapeutic session with a child with ASD that makes use of metaphors. It concludes by outlining some theoretical insights into the imaginative skills of children with ASD that follow from taking the embodied-enactive perspective and proposes suggestions for interactive interventions to further enhance imaginative skills and metaphor understanding in children with ASD.
Factors Affecting Physical and Mental Fatigue among Female Hospital Nurses: The Korea Nurses’ Health Study
Authors: Jang Hee Jung , Kim Oksoo , Kim Sue , Kim Mi Sun , Choi Jung Ah , Kim Bohye , Dan Hyunju , Jung Heeja
Published: February 2021

Nurses often experience work-related physical and mental fatigue. This study sought to identify the levels of physical and mental fatigue present among Korean female nurses and discern factors influencing their onset. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the Korea Nurses’ Health Study (KNHS). A total of 14,839 hospital nurses were assessed by hierarchical regression analysis. The mean scores of physical and mental fatigue were 12.57 and 5.79 points, respectively. After adjusting for confounding variables, the work department had a significant influence on both physical and mental fatigue, that is, nurses working in special care units experienced greater degrees of both physical and mental fatigue than those working in general units. Nurse fatigue is an important consideration to monitor to ensure nurses’ continued wellbeing as well as good patient safety levels. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a strategy to mitigate nursing fatigue while considering the characteristics of specific departments. In nursing practice, the introduction of a counseling program and guarantee of rest time that can alleviate the mental and physical fatigue of nurses working in special care units should be considered.
Overview of the User Experience for Snorkeling Mask Designs during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Profili Jacopo , Dubois Emilie L. , Karakitsos Dimitrios , Hof Lucas A.
Published: February 2021

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, industries and academic institutes have collaborated to resolve the worldwide medical supply shortage issues. Innovative designs of 3D-printed items were proposed and developed by the maker community as a temporary solution to address the lack of personal protective equipment. An overview of global ongoing and past initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic along with their challenges on retrofitting full-face snorkeling masks for healthcare applications such as splash-proof face shields, respirator masks and non-invasive ventilation systems are reported in this contribution. This study reviews these global initiatives and challenges. From our analysis, the present situation highlights the need to build solid networks between healthcare institutes and the different rapid prototyping initiatives. A clear feedback system needs to be implemented to facilitate effective collaboration between engineering (maker) and healthcare teams, to optimize the available human resources, and to achieve adequate product developments responding to the needs of healthcare workers.
A Blockchain-Based Secret-Data Sharing Framework for Personal Health Records in Emergency Condition
Authors: Rajput Ahmed Raza , Li Qianmu , Ahvanooey Milad Taleby
Published: February 2021

Blockchain technology is the most trusted all-in-one cryptosystem that provides a framework for securing transactions over networks due to its irreversibility and immutability characteristics. Blockchain network, as a decentralized infrastructure, has drawn the attention of various startups, administrators, and developers. This system preserves transactions from tampering and provides a tracking tool for tracing past network operations. A personal health record (PHR) system permits patients to control and share data concerning their health conditions by particular peoples. In the case of an emergency, the patient is unable to approve the emergency staff access to the PHR. Furthermore, a history record management system of the patient’s PHR is required, which exhibits hugely private personal data (e.g., modification date, name of user, last health condition, etc.). In this paper, we suggest a healthcare management framework that employs blockchain technology to provide a tamper protection application by considering safe policies. These policies involve identifying extensible access control, auditing, and tamper resistance in an emergency scenario. Our experiments demonstrated that the proposed framework affords superior performance compared to the state-of-the-art healthcare systems concerning accessibility, privacy, emergency access control, and data auditing.
The Missed Opportunity of Patient-Centered Medical Homes to Thrive in an Asian Context
Authors: Surendran Shilpa , Foo Chuan De , Tam Chen Hee , Ho Elaine Qiao Ying , Matchar David Bruce , Car Josip , Koh Gerald Choon Huat
Published: February 2021

In recent years, there is growing interest internationally to implement patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs), and Singapore is no exception. However, studies understanding the influence of contextual policy factors on the implementation of PCMHs are limited. We conducted 10 semi-structured in-depth interviews with general practitioners working in seven out of the nine PCMHs. Audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed by two study team members in NVivo 12 Software using grounded theory techniques. Power dynamics between the stakeholders and lack of shared decision-making among them in selecting the locale of the PCMH and formulating the practice fee and pharmacy structure were the key factors which negatively affected the implementation of PCMHs on a larger scale. Over time, lack of funding to hire dedicated staff to transfer patients and misalignment of various stakeholders’ interest to other right-siting programs also resulted in low number of patients with chronic conditions and revenue. Countries seeking to implement a successful PCMH may benefit from building trust and relationship between stakeholders, engaging in shared decision-making, ongoing cost-efficiency efforts, and formulating a clear delineation of responsibilities between stakeholders. For a healthcare delivery model to succeed in the primary care landscape, policies should be developed keeping mind the realities of primary care practice.
Feasibility Analysis on the Adoption of Decentralized Anaerobic Co-Digestion for the Treatment of Municipal Organic Waste with Energy Recovery in Urban Districts of Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Gadaleta Giovanni , De Gisi Sabino , Notarnicola Michele
Published: February 2021

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) is considered an excellent solution for both waste management and energy generation, although the impacts of waste collection and transportation on the whole management system are not negligible. AD is often regarded as a centralized solution for an entire community, although recently, there has been some debate on the adoption of decentralized, smaller facilities. This study aims to evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of an AD plant at the local scale for the treatment of organic waste generated from urban districts. Depending on the type of feedstock, two scenarios were evaluated and compared with the reference scenario, based on composting treatment: (1) mono-AD of OFMSW and (2) co-AD of OFMSW and sewage sludge (SS). Furthermore, different district extensions of the metropolitan area were considered with the goal of determining the optimal size. Results showed the advantage of the two scenarios over the reference one. Scenario 1 proved to be the most suitable solution, because the introduction of SS in Scenario 2 increased costs and payback time, rather than generating a higher waste amount and lower biogas yield. The preferred district extension was the medium-sized one. Capital cost strongly affected the economic analysis, but revenue from the city for the management operation of the organic waste could significantly decrease costs. Further studies about the differences in the type of feedstock or the introduction of other criteria of analysis (such as environmental) are considered necessary.
Kobra Surgery Simulator—A Possibility to Improve Digital Teaching? A Case-Control Study
Authors: Buchbender Mayte , Maser Mathias , Neukam Friedrich W. , Kesting Marco R. , Attia Sameh , Schmitt Christian M.
Published: February 2021

Computer-aided simulations have long been of great importance in university teaching; however, to date, there is limited use of such simulations in the dental surgical sector. For this purpose, an oral surgery simulator, “Kobra”, was implemented in student training and was evaluated for dental education. Dental students (group 1, third-year and group 2, fourth-year) and dentists of the faculty (control group) were trained to use the simulator. The outcomes for group 1 (apicoectomy of an upper lateral incisor with Kobra), group 2 (removal of an impacted lower wisdom tooth with Kobra) and the control group (both procedures with Kobra) were evaluated. For evaluation purposes, subjective parameters (improvement of practical skills, comparison between conventional training and Kobra simulation, and implementation of simulation-based teaching) and objective parameters (removal of bone, tooth substance and soft tissue measured while performing the Kobra simulation) were assessed using questionnaires with a scale ranging from 1–5. A total of 49 students (third-year n = 29, with 22 women and 7 men; fourth-year n = 20, with 17 women and 3 men) and 10 dentists (women n = 5 and men n = 5) participated. Compared to the Kobra simulation, the conventional training method with plastic models was still favored (the difference was non-significant). Compared to the dentists, the simulation data showed a less precise surgical performance of the students (the difference was not significant). The Kobra simulation may offer an additional method to conventional surgery training using plastic models, with benefits for students and faculty staff.
Challenges of Spa Tourism in Andalusia: Experts’ Proposed Solutions
Authors: Anaya-Aguilar Rosa , Gemar German , Anaya-Aguilar Carmen
Published: February 2021

Water is the common thread and attraction factor of the tourism facilities called “spas”, which are part of health and beauty services. Spa use is currently experiencing a boom that reflects changes in populations, such as an increase in economic wellbeing and a desire to reunite with nature. This research’s objectives were to understand spa tourism’s structural and operational dimensions and to assess this sector’s current situation by using the Delphi method with a panel of 22 experts. The results show that these experts believe that, in Andalusia, spas energize the area as a tourism destination through their natural resources and conservation of key elements. However, spa development policies are scarce, including a lack of autonomous community laws regarding these facilities.
Exploring for Municipality-Level Socioeconomic Variables Related to Zika Virus Incidence in Colombia
Authors: Kellemen Marie , Ye Jun , Moreno-Madriñan Max J.
Published: February 2021

Colombia experienced an outbreak of Zika virus infection during September 2015 until July 2016. This study aimed to identify the socioeconomic factors that at the municipality level correlate with this outbreak and therefore could have influenced its incidence. An analysis of publicly available, municipality-aggregated data related to eight potential explanatory socioeconomic variables was conducted. These variables are school dropout, low energy strata, social security system, savings capacity, tax, resources, investment, and debt. The response variable of interest in this study is the number of reported cases of Zika virus infection per people (projected) per square kilometer. Binomial regression models were performed. Results show that the best predictor variables of Zika virus occurrence, assuming an expected inverse relationship with socioeconomic status, are “school”, “energy”, and “savings”. Contrary to expectations, proxies of socioeconomic status such as “investment”, “tax”, and “resources” were associated with an increase in the occurrence of Zika virus infection, while no association was detected for “social security” and “debt”. Energy stratification, school dropout rate, and the percentage of the municipality’s income that is saved conformed to the hypothesized inverse relationship between socioeconomic standing and Zika occurrence. As such, this study suggests these factors should be considered in Zika risk modeling.
Improvement of Raw Milk Cheese Hygiene through the Selection of Starter and Non-Starter Lactic Acid Bacteria: The Successful Case of PDO Pecorino Siciliano Cheese
Authors: Gaglio Raimondo , Todaro Massimo , Settanni Luca
Published: February 2021

This review article focuses on the technological aspects and microbiological critical points of pressed-cooked cheeses processed from raw ewe’s milk without the inoculation of starter cultures, in particular “Pecorino” cheese typology produced in Italy. After showing the composition of the biofilms adhering to the surface of the traditional dairy equipment (mainly wooden vat used to collect milk) and the microbiological characteristics of PDO Pecorino Siciliano cheese manufactured throughout Sicily, this cheese is taken as a case study to develop a strategy to improve its hygienic and safety characteristics. Basically, the natural lactic acid bacterial populations of fresh and ripened cheeses were characterized to select an autochthonous starter and non-starter cultures to stabilize the microbial community of PDO Pecorino Siciliano cheese. These bacteria were applied at a small scale level to prove their in situ efficacy, and finally introduced within the consortium for protection and promotion of this cheese to disseminate their performances to all dairy factories. The innovation in PDO Pecorino Siciliano cheese production was proven to be respectful of the traditional protocol, the final cheeses preserved their typicality, and the general cheese safety was improved. An overview of the future research prospects is also reported.
Is Fitspiration the Healthy Internet Trend It Claims to Be? A British Students’ Case Study
Authors: Limniou Maria , Mahoney Charlotte , Knox Megan
Published: February 2021

The increasingly popular #fitspiration community on Instagram aims to promote body positivity and inspire health in its followers. However, fitspiration accounts often endorse unattainable, overly fit body ideals. The aim of this study is to explore the effects of viewing fitspiration photos on body image and fit-ideal internalisation. We compared 109 British students’ (18–50 years-old) responses on state self-esteem, mood satisfaction, body satisfaction and fit-ideal internalisation before and after viewing fitspiration photos. Online questionnaires exposed students to either five male or five female fitspiration photos, respectively for their given gender. Photos were sourced from public Instagram accounts. This study also examined the influence age and Instagram usage have on body image. Exposure to fitspiration photos produced a significant reduction in state self-esteem, mood satisfaction and fit-ideal internalisation, but had no significant influence on body satisfaction. Age had no effect on body image; however, gender impacted mood satisfaction and fit-ideal internalisation. Instagram usage influenced fit-ideal internalisation, with specific Instagram factors, such as how the importance of a photo’s “likes” were negatively associated with state self-esteem, mood and body satisfaction. Unexpectedly, Instagram frequency use and posting were related to higher levels of state self-esteem. Detailed explanations of the findings and potential future research opportunities are also discussed.
Associations of Prenatal Exposure to Phthalates with Measures of Cognition in 4.5-Month-Old Infants
Authors: Merced-Nieves Francheska M. , Dzwilewski Kelsey L. C. , Aguiar Andrea , Musaad Salma , Korrick Susan A. , Schantz Susan L.
Published: February 2021

The association of prenatal phthalate exposure with physical reasoning was assessed in 159 (78 female; 81 male) 4.5-month-old infants from a prospective cohort. Phthalate metabolites were quantified in urine from 16–18 gestational weeks and a pool of five urines from across pregnancy. Infants’ looking times to physically impossible and possible events were recorded via infrared eye-tracking. Infants that recognize that one of the events is impossible will look at that event longer. Associations of phthalate biomarkers with looking time differences (impossible–possible) were adjusted for maternal age, infant sex, and order of event presentation, and effect modification by infant sex was assessed. Each interquartile range (IQR) increase of monoethyl phthalate in the pooled sample was associated with females’ increased looking time (β = 1.0; 95%CI = 0.3, 1.7 s) to the impossible event. However, for males, an IQR increase in monoethyl phthalate at 16–18 weeks (β = −2.5; 95%CI = −4.4,−0.6 s), the sum of di(isononyl) phthalate metabolites in the pooled sample (β = −1.0; 95%CI = −1.8, −0.1 s), and the sum of all phthalate metabolites in both samples (β = −2.3; 95%CI = −4.4, −0.2 s) were associated with increased looking to the possible event, suggesting that higher prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with poorer physical reasoning in male infants.
Reversal of the Upward Trend of Obesity in Boys, but Not in Girls, in Spain
Authors: Albaladejo-Vicente Romana , Villanueva-Orbaiz Rosa , Carabantes-Alarcon David , Santos-Sancho Juana , Jiménez-García Rodrigo , Regidor Enrique
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: To compare the prevalence of overweight and obesity in boys and girls and to estimate socioeconomic differences associated with obesity in Spain in 1997, 2007, and 2017. (2) Methods: Data were drawn from national health interview surveys. For each year of study, the prevalence of overweight and obesity was measured, and these results were compared by gender (boy/girl) and socioeconomic status (low/high education). (3) Results: The prevalence of overweight and obesity rose from 1997 to 2007 but then fell in 2017 in all subgroups except in girls aged 10 to 15 years. In this group, there was a steady increase in the prevalence of both overweight (1997, 14.6%; 2007, 17.7%; 2017, 19.6%) and obesity (1.1, 3.2, and 3.7%, respectively). The decrease in prevalence of overweight in both sexes and of obesity in boys, along with the increase in prevalence of obesity in girls, was of a higher magnitude in children whose parents had a lower educational level. (4) Conclusions: The apparent turnaround in the obesity epidemic in Spain should be interpreted with caution. Children’s body weight is influenced by both gender and socioeconomic status—considerations that should be kept in mind when designing health promotion interventions.
Carbon Storage Change Analysis and Emission Reduction Suggestions under Land Use Transition: A Case Study of Henan Province, China
Authors: Xiao Dongyang , Niu Haipeng , Guo Jin , Zhao Suxia , Fan Liangxin
Published: February 2021

The significant spatial heterogeneity among river basin ecosystems makes it difficult for local governments to carry out comprehensive governance for different river basins in a special administrative region spanning multi-river basins. However, there are few studies on the construction of a comprehensive governance mechanism for multi-river basins at the provincial level. To fill this gap, this paper took Henan Province of China, which straddles four river basins, as the study region. The chord diagram, overlay analysis, and carbon emission models were applied to the remote sensing data of land use to analyze the temporal and spatial patterns of carbon storage caused by land-use changes in Henan Province from 1990 to 2018 to reflect the heterogeneity of the contribution of the four basins to human activities and economic development. The results revealed that food security land in the four basins decreased, while production and living land increased. Ecological conservation land was increased over time in the Yangtze River Basin. In addition, the conversion from food security land to production and living land was the common characteristic for the four basins. Carbon emission in Henan increased from 134.46 million tons in 1990 to 553.58 million tons in 2018, while its carbon absorption was relatively stable (1.67–1.69 million tons between 1990 and 2018). The carbon emitted in the Huai River Basin was the main contributor to Henan Province’s total carbon emission. The carbon absorption in Yellow River Basin and Yangtze River Basin had an obvious spatial agglomeration effect. Finally, considering the current need of land spatial planning in China and the goal of carbon neutrality by 2060 set by the Chinese government, we suggested that carbon sequestration capacity should be further strengthened in Yellow River Basin and Yangtze River Basin based on their respective ecological resource advantages. For future development in Hai River Basin and Huai River Basin, coordinating the spatial allocation of urban scale and urban green space to build an ecological city is a key direction to embark upon.
Needs of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Geographic Location of Emergency Shelters Suitable for Vulnerable People during a Tsunami
Authors: Nakai Hisao , Itatani Tomoya , Kaganoi Seiji , Okamura Aya , Horiike Ryo , Yamasaki Masao
Published: February 2021

In the current study, we sought to identify special needs and safe evacuation conditions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders (CNDs) along Japan’s tsunami-prone Pacific coast. A survey and spatial analysis were used to collect data of CNDs (n = 47) and their caregivers. Areas predicted to be flooded in a tsunami, as well as evacuation routes to emergency shelters for vulnerable people (ESVPs), were mapped using geographic information systems (GIS). Our results showed that five professional staff were needed to support 33 CNDs requiring 135.9 m2 of ESVP space. Critical safety factors were altitude, vertical evacuation, accessibility to ESVPs, and nonexistence of estuaries in the direction of evacuation. GIS-based spatial analysis and evacuation modeling for disaster preparedness and training plans that involve nurses are essential.
Dose-Response Relationship between Night Work and the Prevalence of Impaired Fasting Glucose: The Korean Worker’s Special Health Examination for Night Workers Cohort
Authors: Lee Jae Yong , Lee Ji-Won , Choi Won Seon , Myong Jun-Pyo
Published: February 2021

Many studies have been conducted regarding the association between night work and diabetes, but the association between impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and night work is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate this association using the Special Health Examination (SHEW) for Korean night workers. Laboratory, questionnaire, and physical examination data were collected for 80,077 manual workers between 2014 and 2016 from Korea Medical Institute, and associations of the data with IFG were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression model. The odds ratios for IFG among those who worked night shifts for 2~5 years, 5~12 years, and 12 years or over (ref: <2 years) after adjusting for abdominal obesity were 1.14 (0.90–1.45), 1.41 (1.10–1.81), and 1.75 (1.41–2.19), respectively. A dose–response relationship was identified between the duration of night work and the prevalence of IFG (p for trend <0.05). A dose relationship remained significant when a subgroup of non-obese participants was analyzed. We identified an association and a dose–response relationship between the number of years of night work and IFG. To prevent the development of diabetes in night workers, we suggest that they should be pre-emptively screened and treated from the stage of IFG.
Backstroke to Breaststroke Turning Performance in Age-Group Swimmers: Hydrodynamic Characteristics and Pull-Out Strategy
Authors: Chainok Phornpot , Machado Leandro , de Jesus Karla , Abraldes J. Arturo , Borgonovo-Santos Márcio , Fernandes Ricardo J. , Vilas-Boas João Paulo
Published: February 2021

We compared the hydrodynamic characteristics and pull-out strategies of four backstroke-to-breaststroke turning techniques in young swimmers. Eighteen 11 and 12-year-old swimmers participated in a 4 week intervention program including 16 contextual interference sessions. The hydrodynamic variables were assessed through inverse dynamics, and the pull-out strategy kinematics were assessed with tracking markers followed by 12 land cameras and 11 underwater cameras. Swimmers randomly completed sixteen 30 m maximal backstroke-to breaststroke-open, somersault, bucket and crossover turns (four in each technique) with a 3 min rest. The data showed higher drag force, cross-sectional area and drag coefficient values for the first (compared with the second) gliding position. The crossover turn revealed the highest push-off velocity (2.17 ± 0.05 m·s−1), and the somersault turn demonstrated the lowest foot plant index (0.68 ± 0.03; 68%), which could have affected the first gliding, transition and second gliding depths (0.73 ± 0.13, 0.86 ± 0.17 and 0.76 ± 0.17 m). The data revealed the consistency of the time spent (4.86 ± 0.98 s) and breakout distance (6.04 ± 0.94 m) among the four turning techniques, and no differences were observed between them regarding time and average velocity up to 7.5 m. The hydrodynamic characteristics and pull-out strategy of the backstroke-to-breaststroke turns performed by the age group swimmers were independent of the selected technique.
The Differential Effects of Physical Activity Calorie Equivalent Labeling on Consumer Preferences for Healthy and Unhealthy Food Products: Evidence from a Choice Experiment
Authors: Yang Xiaoke , Huang Yuanhao , Han Mengzhu , Wen Xiaoting , Zheng Qiuqin , Chen Qian , Chen Qiuhua
Published: February 2021

Background: Since numerical calorie labels have limited effects on less-calorie food ordering, an alternative called physical activity calorie equivalent (PACE) labels, which exhibit calories using visible symbols and the minutes of exercise to burn off the calories, may be more effective in reducing calories ordered. Methods: By using a choice experiment (CE) approach, the aims of this study were to estimate the effects of PACE labels on consumer preferences for healthy and unhealth food. Red date walnuts and potato chips were used as the representatives of healthy and unhealthy foods respectively in this study. Moreover, future time perspective (FTP) is an individual trait variable of consumers, which has been recognized as a significant driver of healthy behaviors. We also included FTP into the interaction with PACE labels. Results: Firstly, the results were opposite between the healthy and unhealthy food groups. Respondents showed significantly more positive attitudes toward red date walnuts (i.e., healthy food) with PACE labels, while they showed significantly more negative preferences for chips (i.e., unhealthy food) with PACE labels. Secondly, people with higher FTP are preferred red date walnuts with PACE labels, while PACE labels on chips could undermine the preferences of respondents with higher FTP. Thirdly, we found that women (vs. men) were less inclined to choose healthy food with standard calorie labels and labels showing the minutes of running to burn off the calories, as well as that the elderly (vs. younger) people in the healthy food group preferred the labels showing the minutes of running to burn off the calories. People with a higher body mass index (BMI) were reluctant to purchase walnuts with the information about the minutes of walking. Conclusions: Results from this study showed that PACE labels have significant effects on consumers’ preferences for food products.
Prognostic Value of Preoperative Echocardiographic Findings in Patients Undergoing Transvenous Lead Extraction
Authors: Nowosielecka Dorota , Jacheć Wojciech , Polewczyk Anna , Tułecki Łukasz , Kleinrok Andrzej , Kutarski Andrzej
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: In patients referred for transvenous lead extraction (TLE) transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) often reveals abnormalities related to chronically indwelling endocardial leads. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the results of pre-operative TEE might influence the long-term prognosis. (2) Methods: We analyzed data from 936 TEE examinations performed at a high volume center in patients referred for TLE from 2015 to 2019. The follow-up was 566.2 ± 224.5 days. (3) Results: Multivariate analysis of TEE parameters showed that vegetations (HR = 2.631 [1.738–3.983]; p < 0.001) and tricuspid valve (TV) dysfunction unrelated to the endocardial lead (HR = 1.481 [1.261–1.740]; p < 0.001) were associated with increased risk for long-term mortality. Presence of fibrous tissue binding sites between the lead and the superior vena cava (SVC) and/or right atrium (RA) wall (HR = 0.285; p = 0.035), presence of penetration or perforation of the lead through the cardiac wall up to the epicardium (HR = 0.496; p = 0.035) and presence of excessive lead loops (HR = 0.528; p = 0.026) showed a better prognosis. After adjustment the statistical model with recognized poor prognosis factors only vegetations were confirmed as a risk factor (HR = 2.613; p = 0.039). A better prognosis was observed in patients with fibrous tissue binding sites between the lead and the superior vena cava (SVC) and/or right atrium (RA) wall (HR = 0.270; p = 0.040). (4) Conclusions: Non-modifiable factors may have a negative influence on long-term survival after TLE. Various forms of connective tissue overgrowth and abnormal course of the leads modifiable by TLE can be a factor of better prognosis after TLE.
Multiscale Spatial Polygonal Object Granularity Factor Matching Method Based on BPNN
Authors: Zhu Daoye , Cheng Chengqi , Zhai Weixin , Li Yihang , Li Shizhong , Chen Bo
Published: February 2021

Spatial object matching is one of the fundamental technologies used for updating and merging spatial data. This study focused mainly on the matching optimization of multiscale spatial polygonal objects. We proposed a granularity factor evaluation index that was developed to promote the recognition ability of complex matches in multiscale spatial polygonal object matching. Moreover, we designed the granularity factor matching model based on a backpropagation neural network (BPNN) and designed a multistage matching workflow. Our approach was validated experimentally using two topographical datasets at two different scales: 1:2000 and 1:10,000. Our results indicate that the granularity factor is effective both in improving the matching score of complex matching and reducing the occurrence of missing matching, and our matching model is suitable for multiscale spatial polygonal object matching, with a high precision and recall reach of 97.2% and 90.6%.
Development of Multilayer-Based Map Matching to Enhance Performance in Large Truck Fleet Dispatching
Authors: Mu Ching-Yun , Chou Tien-Yin , Hoang Thanh Van , Kung Pin , Fang Yao-Min , Chen Mei-Hsin , Yeh Mei-Ling
Published: February 2021

Spatial information technology has been widely used for vehicles in general and for fleet management. Many studies have focused on improving vehicle positioning accuracy, although few studies have focused on efficiency improvements for managing large truck fleets in the context of the current complex network of roads. Therefore, this paper proposes a multilayer-based map matching algorithm with different spatial data structures to deal rapidly with large amounts of coordinate data. Using the dimension reduction technique, the geodesic coordinates can be transformed into plane coordinates. This study provides multiple layer grouping combinations to deal with complex road networks. We integrated these techniques and employed a puncture method to process the geometric computation with spatial data-mining approaches. We constructed a spatial division index and combined this with the puncture method, which improves the efficiency of the system and can enhance data retrieval efficiency for large truck fleet dispatching. This paper also used a multilayer-based map matching algorithm with raster data structures. Comparing the results revealed that the look-up table method offers the best outcome. The proposed multilayer-based map matching algorithm using the look-up table method is suited to obtaining competitive performance in identifying efficiency improvements for large truck fleet dispatching.
Synthesis and Self-Assembly Properties of Bola-Amphiphilic Glycosylated Lipopeptide-Type Supramolecular Hydrogels Showing Colour Changes Along with Gel–Sol Transition
Authors: Tsutsumi Naoki , Ito Akitaka , Ishigamori Azumi , Ikeda Masato , Izumi Masayuki , Ochi Rika
Published: February 2021

Supramolecular hydrogels formed by self-assembly of low-molecular-weight amphiphiles (hydrogelators) have attracted significant attention, as smart and soft materials. However, most of the observed stimuli-responsive behaviour of these supramolecular hydrogels are limited to gel–sol transitions. In this study, we present bola-amphiphilic glycosylated lipopeptide-type supramolecular hydrogelators that exhibit reversible thermochromism along with a gel–sol transition. The bola-amphiphiles have mono-, di-, tri- or tetra-phenylalanine (F) as a short peptide moiety. We investigate and discuss the effects of the number of F residues on the gelation ability and the morphology of the self-assembled nanostructures.
The Autophagy Pathway: A Critical Route in the Disposal of Alpha 1-Antitrypsin Aggregates That Holds Many Mysteries
Authors: Leon Celine , Bouchecareilh Marion
Published: February 2021

The maintenance of proteome homeostasis, or proteostasis, is crucial for preserving cellular functions and for cellular adaptation to environmental challenges and changes in physiological conditions. The capacity of cells to maintain proteostasis requires precise control and coordination of protein synthesis, folding, conformational maintenance, and clearance. Thus, protein degradation by the ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) or the autophagy–lysosomal system plays an essential role in cellular functions. However, failure of the UPS or the autophagic process can lead to the development of various diseases (aging-associated diseases, cancer), thus both these pathways have become attractive targets in the treatment of protein conformational diseases, such as alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). The Z alpha 1-antitrypsin (Z-AAT) misfolded variant of the serine protease alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) is caused by a structural change that predisposes it to protein aggregation and dramatic accumulation in the form of inclusion bodies within liver hepatocytes. This can lead to clinically significant liver disease requiring liver transplantation in childhood or adulthood. Treatment of mice with autophagy enhancers was found to reduce hepatic Z-AAT aggregate levels and protect them from AATD hepatotoxicity. To date, liver transplantation is the only curative therapeutic option for patients with AATD-mediated liver disease. Therefore, the development and discovery of new therapeutic approaches to delay or overcome disease progression is a top priority. Herein, we review AATD-mediated liver disease and the overall process of autophagy. We highlight the role of this system in the regulation of Z-variant degradation and its implication in AATD-medicated liver disease, including some open questions that remain challenges in the field and require further elucidation. Finally, we discuss how manipulation of autophagy could provide multiple routes of therapeutic benefit in AATD-mediated liver disease.