bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain and Cortisol in Patients with Fibromyalgia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Úbeda-D’Ocasar Edurne , Jiménez Díaz-Benito Victor , Gallego-Sendarrubias Gracia María , Valera-Calero Juan Antonio , Vicario-Merino Ángel , Hervás-Pérez Juan Pablo
Published: November 2020

This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to gain further insight into the relationship between cortisol reactivity and chronic widespread pain in patients with fibromyalgia. The studies selected were those conducted in adults with fibromyalgia that were random controlled, non-controlled or observational. Studies were excluded if they examined diseases other than fibromyalgia or if they did not report on pain or cortisol. Twelve studies met inclusion criteria. Data were extracted into tabular format using predefined data fields by two reviewers and assessed for accuracy by a third reviewer. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the PEDro scale. Data Synthesis: Of 263 studies identified, 12 were selected for our review and 10 were finally included as their methodological quality was good. In the meta-analysis, we calculated effect sizes of interventions on pain indicators and cortisol levels in patients with fibromyalgia. A small overall effect of all the interventions was observed on pain tolerance and pressure pain thresholds, yet this effect lacked significance (ES = 0.150; 95%CI 0.932–1.550; p > 0.05). Conclusions: While some effects of individual nonpharmacological therapeutic interventions were observed on both cortisol levels and measures of pain, our results suggest much further work is needed to elucidate the true relationship between chronic widespread pain and cortisol levels in patients with fibromyalgia.
Routine Fluorescence Imaging to Detect Wound Bacteria Reduces Antibiotic Use and Antimicrobial Dressing Expenditure While Improving Healing Rates: Retrospective Analysis of 229 Foot Ulcers
Authors: Price Nadine
Published: November 2020

Foot ulcers and their bacterial burden produce a significant strain on the National Healthcare System (NHS). Subjectivity of wound infection assessment makes appropriate dressing selection challenging. To aid point-of-care detection of bacterial burden, a fluorescence imaging device (MolecuLight i:X) was introduced to the Whipps Cross Hospital Podiatry clinic. This retrospective pre/post-analysis evaluated how implementation of fluorescence imaging impacted (1) antimicrobial dressings and antibiotics use and (2) wound healing rates. Over a 2-year period 229 lower extremity wounds were treated. Wound-related outcomes and antimicrobial dressing costs were quantified over 1-year before (2018/2019) and after (2019/2020) incorporating fluorescence imaging into routine practice. The period of fluorescence imaging saw a 27% increase in the number of wounds seen, yet annual antimicrobial dressing expenditure decreased by 33%. Implementation of fluorescence imaging was also associated with a 49% decrease in prescription of antimicrobial dressings, a 33% decrease in antibiotic prescriptions, and a 23% increase in wound healing rates within 12-weeks (48% vs. 39%), likely due to earlier bacterial detection and improved wound hygiene. This increased healing rate is projected to decrease annual wound costs by 10% (£762 per patient). Routine bacterial imaging appears to diminish clinical and economic burden to patients and the NHS.
Newly Reported Studies on the Increase in Gastrointestinal Symptom Prevalence with COVID-19 Infection: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Akin Hakan , Kurt Ramazan , Tufan Fatih , Swi Ahmed , Ozaras Resat , Tahan Veysel , Hammoud Ghassan
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim: Although constitutional and respiratory symptoms such as cough and fever are the most common symptoms in patients infected with COVID-19, gastrointestinal (GI) tract involvement has been observed by endoscopic biopsies. Multiple GI symptoms, including diarrhea, nausea or vomiting and abdominal pain, have also been reported. This review aims to present the currently available data regarding the GI symptoms of COVID-19 patients, and to compare the frequency of GI symptoms in early stage (Eastern) mostly Chinese data to the current stage (Western) non-Chinese data. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search to identify both published studies by using PubMed, Google Scholar, and CNKI (Chinese medical search engine), and yet unpublished studies through medRxiv and bioRxiv. We also reviewed the cross references of the detected articles. We conducted a Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) search up until 20 September 2020. We pooled the prevalence of symptoms of diarrhea, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain by using the Freeman–Tukey’s transforming random effect model. Results: A total of 118 studies were included in the systematic review and 44 of them were included in the meta-analysis. There was a significant heterogeneity between the studies; therefore, the random effects model was used. The pooled prevalence estimate of any GI symptoms reported was found to be 0.21 (95%CI, 0.16–0.27). Anorexia was the most commonly reported GI symptom at 18% (95%CI, 0.10–0.27) followed by diarrhea at 15% (95%CI, 0.12–0.19). Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, and respiratory symptoms were more common in non-Chinese studies. The prevalence of abdominal pain was lower in the “inpatient-only” studies when compared with studies that included outpatients only and those including both inpatients and outpatients. Conclusions: In this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis study, we observed higher rates of diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, and abdominal pain in COVID-19 infected patients among non-Chinese studies compared to Chinese studies. We also observed a higher prevalence of GI symptoms in Chinese studies than was reported previously. Non-respiratory symptoms, including GI tract symptoms, should be more thoroughly and carefully evaluated and reported in future studies.
Multi-Modality Global Fusion Attention Network for Visual Question Answering
Authors: Yang Cheng , Wu Weijia , Wang Yuxing , Zhou Hong
Published: November 2020

Visual question answering (VQA) requires a high-level understanding of both questions and images, along with visual reasoning to predict the correct answer. Therefore, it is important to design an effective attention model to associate key regions in an image with key words in a question. Up to now, most attention-based approaches only model the relationships between individual regions in an image and words in a question. It is not enough to predict the correct answer for VQA, as human beings always think in terms of global information, not only local information. In this paper, we propose a novel multi-modality global fusion attention network (MGFAN) consisting of stacked global fusion attention (GFA) blocks, which can capture information from global perspectives. Our proposed method computes co-attention and self-attention at the same time, rather than computing them individually. We validate our proposed method on the two most commonly used benchmarks, the VQA-v2 datasets. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the previous state-of-the-art. Our best single model achieves 70.67% accuracy on the test-dev set of VQA-v2.
Aspects of Efficiency Enhancement in Reflectarrays with Analytical Investigation and Accurate Measurement
Authors: Dahri M. Hashim , Jamaluddin M. Haizal , Seman Fauziahanim C. , Abbasi M. Inam , Sallehuddin N. Fazreen , I. Ashyap Adel Y. , Kamarudin M. Ramlee
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a thorough review of the techniques involved in the enhancement of the efficiency performance of the reflectarray antenna. The effect of the selection of a suitable patch element or a proper feeding mechanism on efficiency improvement is studied in detail. Reflectarray loss quantification is examined in relation to the design techniques involved in the efficiency improvement. A low loss patch element with a wide reflection phase range and a properly illuminated reflectarray aperture are supposed to offer high efficiency performance. Additionally, the placement, the orientation and the position of a patch element on the reflectarray surface can also affect its efficiency performance. Mathematical equations were developed to estimate the efficiencies of circular and square aperture reflectarray antennas by considering their feed footprints. Moreover, a step by step practical method of predicting and measuring the total efficiency of a reflectarray antenna is presented. The two selected apertures of the reflectarray consisting of the square patch element configuration are fabricated and measured at a frequency of 26 GHz. Their measured efficiencies have been estimated using the derived equations, and the results were compared and validated using the efficiencies obtained by the conventional gain-directivity relation.
Anthropogenic Factors Control the Distribution of a Southern Conifer Phytophthora Disease in a Peri-Urban Area of Northern Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Giordana Guillermo , Kitzberger Thomas , La Manna Ludmila
Published: November 2020

Several mid-sized urban areas have established boundaries overlapping with the distribution of Austrocedruschilensis (D.Don) Pic.Serm. & Bizzarri forests in Patagonia. These forests suffer a disease whose primary cause is the aggressive pathogen Phytophthora austrocedri. This study analyzes the factors related to Austrocedrus disease in an urban and peri-urban environment, showing that anthropogenic factors related to Phytophthora dispersion predominantly influence the disease distribution. The study was developed in urban and suburban areas of San Carlos de Bariloche county (Río Negro Province, Argentina). A database of requests to fell A. chilensis trees, from the Forest Department of Río Negro Province, was cleaned up and improved through satellite images analysis and field sampling. Data were analyzed in order to set up a layer of Austrocedrus disease presence. From this layer, and from anthropogenic and environmental layers (distance to houses, distance to roads, precipitation, slope, aspect, altitude, distance to water courses), a risk model was developed using the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm. In turn, data from the field sampling were assessed by contingency tables and chi square analysis. The results show that disease occurrence in San Carlos de Bariloche county is associated with the insertion of the urban network over areas of native forests. Distance to houses, distance to roads and distance to gardens with irrigation were the most important variables associated with the disease occurrence. A risk model was generated for the study area, which shows the current risk situation for the disease. Urbanization’s advance over the forest modifies key variables related to Phytophthora dispersion, such as the distance from cypress trees to houses and roads, thus progressively increasing the area at risk of becoming diseased. Based on these results, plausible measures and actions are proposed.
Seed Shadows of Northern Pigtailed Macaques within a Degraded Forest Fragment, Thailand
Authors: Gazagne Eva , Pitance Jean-Luc , Savini Tommaso , Huynen Marie-Claude , Poncin Pascal , Brotcorne Fany , Hambuckers Alain
Published: November 2020

Research Highlights: Frugivores able to disperse large seeds over large distances are indispensable for seedling recruitment, colonization and regeneration of tropical forests. Understanding their effectiveness as seed dispersal agents in degraded habitat is becoming a pressing issue because of escalating anthropogenic disturbance. Although of paramount importance in the matter, animal behaviour’s influence on seed shadows (i.e., seed deposition pattern of a plant population) is difficult to evaluate by direct observations. Background and Objectives: We illustrated a modeling approach of seed shadows incorporating field-collected data on a troop of northern pigtailed macaques (Macaca leonina) inhabiting a degraded forest fragment in Thailand, by implementing a mechanistic model of seed deposition with random components. Materials and Methods: We parameterized the mechanistic model of seed deposition with macaque feeding behavior (i.e., consumed fruit species, seed treatments), gut and cheek pouch retention time, location of feeding and sleeping sites, monthly photoperiod and movement patterns based on monthly native fruit availability using Hidden Markov models (HMM). Results: We found that northern pigtailed macaques dispersed at least 5.5% of the seeds into plantation forests, with a majority of medium- to large-seeded species across large distances (mean > 500 m, maximum range of 2300 m), promoting genetic mixing and colonization of plantation forests. Additionally, the macaques produced complementary seed shadows, with a sparse distribution of seeds spat out locally (mean >50 m, maximum range of 870 m) that probably ensures seedling recruitment of the immediate plant populations. Conclusions: Macaques’ large dispersal distance reliability is often underestimated and overlooked; however, their behavioral flexibility places them among the last remaining dispersers of large seeds in disturbed habitats. Our study shows that this taxon is likely to maintain significant seed dispersal services and promote forest regeneration in degraded forest fragments.
Selective Shrub Management to Preserve Mediterranean Forests and Reduce the Risk of Fire: The Case of Mainland Portugal
Authors: Raposo Mauro A.M. , Gomes Carlos J. Pinto , Nunes Leonel J.R.
Published: November 2020

The recurrent rural fires that occur annually in Portugal have reached great proportions due to a lack of effective landscape management. Attempts to solve this problem led to the legal imposition to cut back the vegetation in the fuel management areas, which has had a negative effect on biodiversity. National legislation protects three native plant species (Quercus suber, Q. rotundifolia and Ilex aquifolium). European legislation, through the Habitats Directive, also identifies some plant species that require strict protection, although it leaves out several endemic and rare plants. In this work we aim to differentiate the types of shrub plant material and their pyrophilic behavior, since the physical and chemical characteristics of vegetation can enhance or inhibit the progression of fire. Thus, based on phytosociological science, specifically at the class level, the dynamics of potential climatophilous vegetation in Portugal are presented and the classes that should be prioritized for control are identified. Based on ecology, it was possible to identify morphological patterns of vegetation. In short, the genera targeted for control under the National Forest Fire Protection Plan belong to the furthest states from the mature potential of a forest, generally consisting of heliophile shrubs and typically growing in degraded soils. The shrub species to be valued belong to dynamic states closer to the mature potential, consisting mainly of broad-leaved shrubs and those growing in better-preserved soils.
Advances in Foodborne Pathogen Analysis
Authors: Bhunia Arun K. , Bisha Bledar , Gehring Andrew G. , Brehm-Stecher Byron F.
Published: November 2020

As the world population has grown, new demands on the production of foods have been met by increased efficiencies in production, from planting and harvesting to processing, packaging and distribution to retail locations. These efficiencies enable rapid intranational and global dissemination of foods, providing longer “face time” for products on retail shelves and allowing consumers to make healthy dietary choices year-round. However, our food production capabilities have outpaced the capacity of traditional detection methods to ensure our foods are safe. Traditional methods for culture-based detection and characterization of microorganisms are time-, labor- and, in some instances, space- and infrastructure-intensive, and are therefore not compatible with current (or future) production and processing realities. New and versatile detection methods requiring fewer overall resources (time, labor, space, equipment, cost, etc.) are needed to transform the throughput and safety dimensions of the food industry. Access to new, user-friendly, and point-of-care testing technologies may help expand the use and ease of testing, allowing stakeholders to leverage the data obtained to reduce their operating risk and health risks to the public. The papers in this Special Issue on “Advances in Foodborne Pathogen Analysis” address critical issues in rapid pathogen analysis, including preanalytical sample preparation, portable and field-capable test methods, the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in zoonotic pathogens and non-bacterial pathogens, such as viruses and protozoa.
Potential of Germination in Selected Conditions to Improve the Nutritional and Bioactive Properties of Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.)
Authors: Coello Karín E. , Frias Juana , Martínez-Villaluenga Cristina , Cartea María Elena , Abilleira Rosaura , Peñas Elena
Published: November 2020

Moringa oleifera L. is greatly appreciated for its high content of phytochemicals. Although most parts of moringa tree have been widely studied, seeds remained scarcely explored. The first goal of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of germination to improve the nutritional composition (proximate composition and levels of vitamins B1 and B2), content of bioactive compounds (glucosinolates, phenolics and γ-aminobutyric acid, GABA) and antioxidant activity of moringa seed. Germination improved protein, fat, fiber, riboflavin, phenolics, some individual glucosinolates (GLS) and GABA contents, as well as the antioxidant potential in moringa sprouts, but the extent of the improvement depended on germination conditions. The second objective of this work was to identify the optimal germination conditions to maximize nutritional and bioactive quality of moringa by applying multi-response optimization (response surface methodology, RSM). RSM models indicated that 28 °C and 24 h were the optimal conditions to enhance the accumulation of riboflavin, phenolics and antioxidant activity of sprouts, while the highest GABA and total GLS contents were observed at 36 °C for 96 h and thiamine achieved the maximum content at 36 °C for 24 h. These results show that moringa sprouts are promising functional foods that might be also used as ingredients for the elaboration of novel foodstuffs.
Identification of Emerging Hazards in Mussels by the Galician Emerging Food Safety Risks Network (RISEGAL). A First Approach
Authors: López Cabo Marta , L. Romalde Jesús , Simal-Gandara Jesus , Gago Martínez Ana , Giráldez Fernández Jorge , Bernárdez Costas Marta , Pascual del Hierro Santiago , Pousa Ortega Ánxela , Manaia Célia M. , Abreu Silva Joana , Rodríguez Herrera Juan
Published: November 2020

Emerging risk identification is a priority for the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The goal of the Galician Emerging Food Safety Risks Network (RISEGAL) is the identification of emerging risks in foods produced and commercialized in Galicia (northwest Spain) in order to propose prevention plans and mitigation strategies. In this work, RISEGAL applied a systematic approach for the identification of emerging food safety risks potentially affecting bivalve shellfish. First, a comprehensive review of scientific databases was carried out to identify hazards most quoted as emerging in bivalves in the period 2016–2018. Then, identified hazards were semiquantitatively assessed by a panel of food safety experts, who scored them accordingly with the five evaluation criteria proposed by EFSA: novelty, soundness, imminence, scale, and severity. Scores determined that perfluorinated compounds, antimicrobial resistance, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, hepatitis E virus (HEV), and antimicrobial residues are the emerging hazards that are considered most imminent and severe and that could cause safety problems of the highest scale in the bivalve value chain by the majority of the experts consulted (75%). Finally, in a preliminary way, an exploratory study carried out in the Galician Rías highlighted the presence of HEV in mussels cultivated in class B production areas.
Exploring the Role of Contactins across Psychological, Psychiatric and Cardiometabolic Traits within UK Biobank
Authors: Morris Julia , Leung Soddy Sau Yu , Bailey Mark E.S. , Cullen Breda , Ferguson Amy , Graham Nicholas , Johnston Keira J. A. , Lyall Donald M. , Lyall Laura M. , Ward Joey , Smith Daniel J. , Strawbridge Rona J.
Published: November 2020

Individuals with severe mental illness have an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases compared to the general population. Shared risk factors and medication effects explain part of this excess risk; however, there is growing evidence to suggest that shared biology (including genetic variation) is likely to contribute to comorbidity between mental and physical illness. Contactins are a family of genes involved in development of the nervous system and implicated, though genome-wide association studies, in a wide range of psychological, psychiatric and cardiometabolic conditions. Contactins are plausible candidates for shared pathology between mental and physical health. We used data from UK Biobank to systematically assess how genetic variation in contactin genes was associated with a wide range of psychological, psychiatric and cardiometabolic conditions. We also investigated whether associations for cardiometabolic and psychological traits represented the same or distinct signals and how the genetic variation might influence the measured traits. We identified: A novel genetic association between variation in CNTN1 and current smoking; two independent signals in CNTN4 for BMI; and demonstrated that associations between CNTN5 and neuroticism were distinct from those between CNTN5 and blood pressure/HbA1c. There was no evidence that the contactin genes contributed to shared aetiology between physical and mental illness
A Drive-through Simulation Tool for Mass Vaccination during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Asgary Ali , Najafabadi Mahdi M. , Karsseboom Richard , Wu Jianhong
Published: November 2020

Several research and development teams around the world are working towards COVID-19 vaccines. As vaccines are expected to be developed and produced, preparedness and planning for mass vaccination and immunization will become an important aspect of the pandemic management. Mass vaccination has been used by public health agencies in the past and is being proposed as a viable option for COVID-19 immunization. To be able to rapidly and safely immunize a large number of people against SARS-CoV-2, different mass vaccination options are available. Drive-through facilities have been successfully used in the past for immunization against other diseases and for testing during COVID-19. In this paper we introduce a drive-through vaccination simulation tool that can be used to enhance the planning, design, operation, and feasibility and effectiveness assessment of such facilities. The simulation tool is a hybrid model that integrates discrete event and agent-based modeling techniques. The simulation outputs visually and numerically show the average processing and waiting times and the number of cars and people that can be served (throughput values) under different numbers of staff, service lanes, screening, registration, immunization, and recovery times.
Orthodontic Treatment and Healthcare Goals: Evaluation of Multibrackets Treatment Results Using PAR Index (Peer Assessment Rating)
Authors: Sfondrini Maria Francesca , Zampetti Paolo , Luscher Giulia , Gandini Paola , Gandía-Franco José Luís , Scribante Andrea
Published: November 2020

Background: The evaluation of orthodontic treatment outcomes using an objective method is important in order to maintain high treatment quality and final healthcare of patients. It allows professionals and university students to raise the level of the therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the orthodontic treatment outcomes in an Italian postgraduate School of Orthodontics using Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) Index. Methods: A sample of 50 patients treated in a postgraduate program was randomly selected. PAR index was used to assess pre-treatment and post-treatment study casts by two different examiners. The influence of different variables such as gender, treatment method, and need for extraction was statistically analyzed. Results: The average numerical reduction of PAR between the beginning and the end of the treatment was 18.74 (CI 95% 16.53–20.95), while the percentage reduction was 94.8% (CI 95% 91.91–97.68). All cases improved: 8% of patients resulted in the improved category, while 92% of them were in the greatly improved group. Conclusions: According to PAR index, the results showed that patients received a high-standard therapy. None of the factors studied influenced significantly the treatment outcomes.
Effects of Light-Emitting Diodes on the Accumulation of Phenolic Compounds and Glucosinolates in Brassica juncea Sprouts
Authors: Park Chang Ha , Park Ye Eun , Yeo Hyeon Ji , Kim Jae Kwang , Park Sang Un
Published: November 2020

Recent improvements in light-emitting diode (LED) technology afford an excellent opportunity to investigate the relationship between different light sources and plant metabolites. Accordingly, the goal of the present study was to determine the effect of different LED (white, blue, and red) treatments on the contents of glucosinolates (glucoiberin, gluconapin, sinigrin, gluconasturtiin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, 4-hydroxyglucobrassicin, glucobrassicin, and neoglucobrassicin) and phenolic compounds (4-hydroxybenzonate, catechin, chlorogenic acid, caffeate, gallate, sinapate, and quercetin) in Brassica juncea sprouts. The sprouts were grown in a growth chamber at 25 °C under irradiation with white, blue, or red LED with a flux rate of 90 μmol·m−2·s−1 and a long-day photoperiod (16 h light/8 h dark cycle). Marked differences in desulfoglucosinolate contents were observed in response to treatment with different LEDs and different treatment durations. In addition, the highest total desulfoglucosinolate content was observed in response to white LED light treatment, followed by treatment with red LED light, and then blue LED light. Among the individual desulfoglucosinolates identified in the sprouts, sinigrin exhibited the highest content, which was observed after three weeks of white LED light treatment. The highest total phenolic contents were recorded after one week of white and blue LED light treatment, whereas blue LED irradiation increased the production of most of the phenolic compounds identified, including 4-hydroxybenzonate, gallate, sinapate, caffeate, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. The production of phenolics decreased gradually with increasing duration of LED light treatment, whereas anthocyanin accumulation showed a progressive increase during the treatment. These findings indicate that white LED light is appropriate for glucosinolate accumulation, whereas blue LED light is effective in increasing the production of phenolic compounds in B. juncea sprouts.
Development of Nomophobia Profiles in Education Students through the Use of Multiple Correspondence Analysis
Authors: Rodríguez-Sabiote Clemente , Álvarez-Rodríguez José , Álvarez-Ferrandiz Daniel , Zurita-Ortega Felix
Published: November 2020

(1) Background: Nomophobia is a recent behavioural addiction phenomenon. The present study proposes the objective of determining levels of nomophobia in students of Education. In addition, it seeks to find evidence regarding whether cross-tabulating variables produces statistically significant differences and to examine whether the contemplated variables, together with nomophobia levels, can be used to generate a student profile. (2) Methods: A total of 510 students (M = 20.69 years) participated in this study. For the collection of information, we developed a Likert-type ad hoc scale of nomophobia. The quantitative data analysis programmes SPSS v.25 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA), STATA.v.15 (StatCorp, Spring, TX, USA) and jamovi v.1.2 (The jamovi project, Sidney, Australia) were used to analyse information collected by the previously described scale. (3) Results: The study concludes the existence of three main levels of correspondence. The first is formed by students with a low level of nomophobia. It is associated with students undertaking the first year of a Master’s degree who are older than 24, and in this case, gender does not play a discriminating role. The second describes students with moderate nomophobia. It is associated with females, the degree titles of Pedagogy and Primary Education, undertaking the first or second year of degree study and ages of between 21 and 24. Finally, the third level of correspondence is formed by students with high nomophobia. It is related to the same characteristics as those previously mentioned but ages typically ranging between 17 and 20.
Recognizing Your Hand and That of Your Romantic Partner
Authors: Fukui Takao , Murayama Aya , Miura Asako
Published: November 2020

Although the hand is an important organ in interpersonal interactions, focusing on this body part explicitly is less common in daily life compared with the face. We investigated (i) whether a person’s recognition of their own hand is different from their recognition of another person’s hand (i.e., self hand vs. other’s hand) and (ii) whether a close social relationship affects hand recognition (i.e., a partner’s hand vs. an unknown person’s hand). For this aim, we ran an experiment in which participants took part in one of two discrimination tasks: (i) a self–others discrimination task or (ii) a partner/unknown opposite-sex person discrimination task. In these tasks, participants were presented with a hand image and asked to select one of two responses, self (partner) or other (unknown persons), as quickly and accurately as possible. We manipulated hand ownership (self (partner)/other(unknown person)), hand image laterality (right/left), and visual perspective of hand image (upright/upside-down). A main effect of hand ownership in both tasks (i.e., self vs. other and partner vs. unknown person) was found, indicating longer reaction times for self and partner images. The results suggest that close social relationships modulate hand recognition—namely, “self-expansion” to a romantic partner could occur at explicit visual hand recognition.
Effects of Pre-Workout Multi-Ingredient Supplement on Anaerobic Performance: Randomized Double-Blind Crossover Study
Authors: Kaczka Piotr , Batra Amit , Kubicka Katarzyna , Maciejczyk Marcin , Rzeszutko-Bełzowska Agata , Pezdan-Śliż Iwona , Michałowska-Sawczyn Monika , Przydział Marta , Płonka Artur , Cięszczyk Paweł , Humińska-Lisowska Kinga , Zając Tomasz
Published: November 2020

Background: The purpose of this research was to investigate the acute effects of a pre-workout supplement on anaerobic performance in resistance-trained men. Methods: Twenty-three men underwent three randomized, double-blind testing sessions separated by a seven-day break. The participants performed three tests: isokinetic strength, three repetition maximum (3-RM) strength and Wingate. Statistical analysis was conducted in R environment. Linear mixed models were estimated via R package lme4. Results: Mean T@0.2 s was significantly greater in supplemented condition for right and left knee flexors (PL: 103.2 ± 37.6 Nm; supplemented condition: 131.8 ± 29.3 Nm (p = 0.001)), and PL: 103.7 ± 39.3; supplemented condition: 129.4 ± 28.4 (p = 0.001)). T@0.2 s for right and left knee extensors (PL: 202.6 ± 58.6 Nm; supplemented condition: 237.2 ± 54.7 Nm (p = 0.001); PL: 203.3 ± 63.2 Nm, supplemented condition: 229.8 ± 50.8 Nm (p = 0.002)). Significant difference was in mean anaerobic power between supplemented and PL condition for right and left knee flexors (p = 0.002, p = 0.005) and for right and left knee extensors (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002). TTP was significantly shorter in supplemented condition for both sides knee flexors (p = 0.002). There was a significant difference for mean power in the Wingate test (placebo: 8.5 ± 0.6 W/kg; supplemented condition: 8.7 ± 0.5 W/kg (p = 0.038)). Mean 3-RM was significantly greater in supplemented condition (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The supplement significantly improves upper and lower body strength and power output in resistance-trained men.
Examining Negative Emotional Symptoms and Psychological Wellbeing of Australian Sport Officials
Authors: Carson Fraser , Dynon Natalie , Santoro Joe , Kremer Peter
Published: November 2020

Sports officials are exposed to numerous performance and personal stressors, however little is known about their mental health and psychological wellbeing. This study investigated levels of mental health and psychological wellbeing of sports officials in Australia, and the demographic, officiating, and workplace factors associated with these outcomes. An online survey consisting of demographic and officiating questions, and measures of work engagement, mental health and psychological wellbeing was completed by 317 officials. A negative emotional symptoms score was computed. Associations between key demographic, officiating, and workplace factors with negative emotional symptoms and psychological wellbeing were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Officials who were younger, not in a committed relationship, having lower levels of education, and less officiating experience reported higher levels of negative emotional symptoms, while males, older than 50 years, in a committed relationship and more officiating experience had higher levels of psychological wellbeing. The ability to self-manage workload and demonstrate professional autonomy were strongly associated with negative emotional symptoms and psychological wellbeing. Officials reported high negative emotional symptoms, but also high levels of psychological wellbeing. The ability to manage workload and to express professional autonomy are important determinants of mental health and wellbeing levels of sports officials.
How does a (Smart) Age-Friendly Ecosystem Look in a Post-Pandemic Society?
Authors: Marston Hannah Ramsden , Shore Linda , White P.J.
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 has impacted not only the health of citizens, but also the various factors that make up our society, living environments, and ecosystems. This pandemic has shown that future living will need to be agile and flexible to adapt to the various changes in needs of societal populations. Digital technology has played an integral role during COVID-19, assisting various sectors of the community, and demonstrating that smart cities can provide opportunities to respond to many future societal challenges. In the decades ahead, the rise in aging populations will be one of these challenges, and one in which the needs and requirements between demographic cohorts will vary greatly. Although we need to create future smart age-friendly ecosystems to meet these needs, technology still does not feature in the WHO eight domains of an age-friendly city. This paper extends upon Marston and van Hoof’s ‘Smart Age-friendly Ecosystem’ (SAfE) framework, and explores how digital technology, design hacking, and research approaches can be used to understand a smart age-friendly ecosystem in a post-pandemic society. By exploring a series of case studies and using real-life scenarios from the standpoint of COVID-19, we propose the ‘Concept of Age-friendly Smart Ecologies (CASE)’ framework. We provide an insight into a myriad of contemporary multi-disciplinary research, which are capable to initiate discussions and bring various actors together with a positive impact on future planning and development of age-friendly ecosystems. The strengths and limitations of this framework are outlined, with advantages evident in the opportunity for towns, regions/counties, provinces, and states to take an agile approach and work together in adopting and implement improvements for the greater benefits of residents and citizens.
Adenoma Characteristics and the Influence of Alcohol and Cigarette Consumption on the Development of Advanced Colorectal Adenomas
Authors: Čebohin Maja , Samardžić Senka , Marjanović Ksenija , Tot Vesić Martina , Kralik Kristina , Bartulić Andreja , Hnatešen Dijana
Published: November 2020

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC), one of the leading public health problems worldwide, is a disease that can be prevented when it is detected in time. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate the characteristics of colorectal adenomas and whether alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking correlated with the development of advanced adenomas in participants in The National Programme for Early Detection of Colorectal Cancer (NP) in Osijek-Baranja County (OBC), Croatia. Methods: The screening methods were the guaiac Faecal Occult Blood Test (gFOBT), colonoscopy, histological analysis, and risk factor questionnaire. Results: The results showed the presence of adenomas in 136 men (57.4%) and 101 women (42.6%), p < 0.001. There was one adenoma in 147 (62%) most commonly located in sigmorect, in 86 (59%) participants, and 44 (18.6%) participants had multiple adenomas, most commonly found in multi loc, p < 0.001. According to size, 118 (49.8%) of all adenomas were between 0.1 and 0.9 cm, while adenomas of 3 cm 19 (8%) were the fewest, p < 0.001. There were 142 (59.9%) advanced adenomas. Conclusions: Adenoma development in the OBC population was correlated with predictors: adenoma size, high-grade dysplasia, smoking and alcohol consumption of 20 g per day. Non-smoking was found to be a health protective behaviour.
On Clinical Utility and Systematic Reporting in Case Studies of Healthcare Process Mining. Comment on: 10.3390/ijerph17041348 “Towards the Use of Standardised Terms in Clinical Case Studies for Process Mining in Healthcare”
Authors: Mordaunt Dylan A.
Published: November 2020

Recently in Environmental Research and Public Health, Helm and colleagues reported on a systematic review of healthcare process mining (HPM) case reports, focusing on the reporting of technical and clinical aspects and discussing standardisation terms in future HCM reports utilising existing ontologies [...]
Impact of Work Environment and Occupational Stress on Safety Behavior of Individual Construction Workers
Authors: Jung Minhyuk , Lim Soram , Chi Seokho
Published: November 2020

This study was conducted to investigate how the work environment and psychological state influence construction workers’ perceptions and safety behaviors. Structural equation modeling was developed with five factors on the working environment (i.e., job demand, job control, job support, rewards, organizational justice, lack of reward), two factors on workers’ psychological condition (i.e., depression and trait anxiety), and four factors on safety perception (i.e., safety motivation, safety knowledge, and safety compliance and participation behaviors). Sample data were collected from 399 construction workers working at 29 construction sites in South Korea and analyzed the direct and indirect effects between those factors. The results showed that construction workers’ safety compliance and participation behavior are related to their safety knowledge and motivation, and depression and trait anxiety were found to lower safety motivation, knowledge, and, eventually, safety behavior. Job demands, lack of job control, lack of reward, and lack of organizational justice negatively impacted safety behavior. In contrast, job support did not show a significant relationship with safety behavior.
The Routines-Based Model Internationally Implemented
Authors: McWilliam R. , Boavida Tânia , Bull Kerry , Cañadas Margarita , Hwang Ai-Wen , Józefacka Natalia , Lim Hong , Pedernera Marisú , Sergnese Tamara , Woodward Julia
Published: November 2020

Professionals from 10 countries are implementing practices from the Routines-Based Model, which has three main components: needs assessment and intervention planning, a consultative approach, and a method for running classrooms. Its hallmark practices are the Routines-Based Interview, support-based visits with families, and a focus on child engagement. Implementers were interested in actual practices for putting philosophy and theory into action in their systems and cultures. We describe implementation challenges and successes and conclude that (a) models have to be adaptable, (b) some principles and practices are indeed universal, (c) we can shape excellent practices for international use, and (d) leadership is vital.
Comparison of Two Evacuation Shelter Operating Policies and the Role of Public Health Nurses after the Great East Japan Earthquake: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mori Hiroko , Obuchi Shuichi P. , Sugawara Yasuhiro , Nakayama Takeo , Takahashi Ryutaro
Published: November 2020

This study describes shelter operations by public health nurses (PHNs) in Kesennuma City, located near the epicenter of the Great East Japan Earthquake, which occurred on March 11, 2011. The data were semi-structured interviews with 10 PHNs, 2 nutritionists, and 2 general administrators conducted from July 2013 to January 2014. All transcripts were analyzed using the constructivist grounded theory approach. We identified two operating methods for shelters: shelters stationed by PHNs in the Old City, and shelters patrolled by PHNs in the merged district. These methods were compared using four themes. In emergency situations, “operational periods,” a predetermined short term for a leader to perform his/her duties responsibly, could be adopted for relatively small organizations on the frontline. PHNs must not only attempt to operate shelters on their own but also encourage residents to manage the shelters as well. Moreover, human resource allocation should be managed independently of personal factors, as strong relationships between shelter residents would sometimes disturb the flexibility of the response. Even when a situation requires PHNs to stay in shelters, frequent collecting of information and updating the plan according to response progress will help to maintain effective shelter operations.
Relationship Between Basic Human Values and Decision-Making Styles in Adolescents
Authors: Páez Gallego Javier , De-Juanas Oliva Ángel , García-Castilla Francisco Javier , Muelas Álvaro
Published: November 2020

This paper examines the relationship between decision-making styles and values of Spanish adolescents and analyses the role of age and gender on their use of adaptive and maladaptive decision-making styles. The scientific literature suggests that decision-making consists of different stages through which individuals reach a solution to their dilemmas. An ex post facto quantitative, non-experimental research design was used and applied to a sample of adolescents of Madrid (España). The Flinders Adolescents Decision-Making Questionnaire (FADMQ) by Mann as well as the Schwartz Values Scale (SVS) were also used. Correlation analysis was used to analyze the decision-making styles and values of adolescents using the variables gender and age to classify the sample. The study concludes that adolescents who use an adaptive decision-making style tend to pursue mastery of the values Self-direction, Stimulation, Achievement, and Power, whereas adolescents who use a maladaptive style tend to shy away from the value Self-direction and are more conservative. In terms of gender, the results for both females and males coincide in the significant correlations found between their decision-making styles and values. In terms of age, the correlations between values and decision-making styles are higher and numerous in younger adolescents. We conclude that the relationships verified could help educators to engage and act on the development of specific decision-making training programs based on the values of adolescents.
Hybrid Data-Driven and Physics-Based Modeling for Gas Turbine Prescriptive Analytics
Authors: Belov Sergei , Nikolaev Sergei , Uzhinsky Ighor
Published: November 2020

This paper presents a methodology for predictive and prescriptive analytics of a gas turbine. The methodology is based on a combination of physics-based and data-driven modeling using machine learning techniques. Combining these approaches results in a set of reliable, fast, and continuously updating models for prescriptive analytics. The methodology is demonstrated with a case study of a jet-engine power plant preventive maintenance and diagnosis of its flame tube. The developed approach allows not just to analyze and predict some problems in the combustion chamber, but also to identify a particular flame tube to be repaired or replaced and plan maintenance actions in advance.
The Challenges and Opportunities to Formulate and Integrate an Effective ICT Policy at Mountainous Rural Schools of Gilgit-Baltistan
Authors: Rahim Sabit , Bibi Tehmina , Bahadur Qutoshi Sadruddin , Gul Shehla , Gul Yasmeen , Khani Naveed Ali Khan Kaim , Malik Muhammad Shahid
Published: November 2020

The study, through the lens of school principals’ views, investigates the challenges and opportunities to formulate an information and communications technology (ICT) policy in order to integrate it in teaching and learning practices at the schools of mountainous rural areas of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). This quantitative research approach focuses on three different educational systems (Regional, National, and International), as a source of data collection, which operate in GB, Pakistan. To collect the required data, questionnaires with principals and policy document reviews were used. Applying SPSS, the data were analyzed. The results show that both groups (male and female) strongly agree to formulate a policy on ICT in order to integrate it in teaching and learning to improve at the school level. The results also show that the school heads face a number of challenges (e.g., lack of infrastructure, finance, Internet, technical staff, time, awareness, and training facilities, etc.) in the formulation of ICT policy and its integration in teaching and learning. The results revealed that the majority of the schools have an absence of ICT policy instead of having competent principals in those schools. Therefore, the research recommends that the school level ICT policy should be developed and integrated in teaching and learning practices to create an environment of powerful learning at schools, in order to fulfill the needs and demands of the 21st century education.
Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty in Patients with Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension: Impact on Clinical and Hemodynamic Parameters, Quality of Life and Risk Profile
Authors: Jansa Pavel , Heller Samuel , Svoboda Michal , Pad’our Michal , Ambrož David , Dytrych Vladimír , Širanec Michal , Kovárník Tomáš , Felšőci Marián , Hutyra Martin , Linhart Aleš , Lindner Jaroslav , Aschermann Michael
Published: November 2020

Balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) is a novel treatment option for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) who are not eligible for pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) or suffer from persistent pulmonary hypertension after PEA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the real-life efficacy and safety of BPA in a consecutive group of patients who were diagnosed and treated in the national referral center for CTEPH in the Czech Republic. Here we report data from 160 BPA procedures performed in 64 patients. Efficacy analysis was performed in the subgroup of 25 patients who completed BPA series. Significant improvements were observed in New York Heart Association functional class (4% to 79% in I/II, p < 0.001), 6 min walking test distance (+54.3 m, p < 0.001), risk profile (15.8% to 68.5% with presence of 2/3 low risk criteria, p < 0.001), pulmonary artery mean pressure (−18%, p < 0.001), pulmonary vascular resistance (−32%, p < 0.001), stroke volume (+17%, p = 0.011) and quality of life (+37% in assessment of overall health status by a patient, p < 0.001). We observed 1 fatal periprocedural complication (1.6% of all 64 patients) and 19 BPA-related non-fatal complications (11.9% of all 160 interventions) that predominantly included hemoptysis (10.0% of all sessions). Overall survival at 12 months was 94.6%.