bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Augmented Reality and Robotic Systems for Assistance in Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy Procedures: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Ferraguti Federica , Farsoni Saverio , Bonfè Marcello
Published: September 2022

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the gold standard for the treatment of renal stones larger than 20 mm in diameter. The treatment outcomes of PCNL are highly dependent on the accuracy of the puncture step, in order to achieve a suitable renal access and reach the stone with a precise and direct path. Thus, performing the puncturing to get the renal access is the most crucial and challenging step of the procedure with the steepest learning curve. Many simulation methods and systems have been developed to help trainees achieve the requested competency level to achieve a suitable renal access. Simulators include human cadavers, animal tissues and virtual reality simulators to simulate human patients. On the other hand, the availability of pre-operative information (e.g., computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging) and of intra-operative images (e.g., ultrasound images) has allowed the development of solutions involving augmented reality and robotic systems to assist the surgeon during the operation and to help a novel surgeon in strongly reducing the learning curve. In this context, the real-time awareness of the 3D position and orientation of the considered anatomical structures with reference to a common frame is fundamental. Such information must be accurately estimated by means of specific tracking systems that allow the reconstruction of the motion of the probe and of the tool. This review paper presents a survey on the leading literature on augmented reality and robotic assistance for PCNL, with a focus on existing methods for tracking the motion of the ultrasound probe and of the surgical needle.
Injectability of Partially Hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide Solutions Improved by Anionic-Nonionic Surfactant in Medium and Low Permeability Reservoirs
Authors: Wang Long , Wei Jianguang , Chen Yinghe , Jia Shihua , Wang Yiling , Qiao Xudong , Xu Long
Published: September 2022

Injectability of the polymer solution is a very important factor that determines the effectiveness of polymer flooding for enhanced oil recovery. Here, the medium and low permeability oil reservoir was taken as a research object, and effects of relative molecular weight, concentration and core permeability on the flow and injection performance of a partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) solution with and without anionic-nonionic surfactant (ANS) were studied by indoor outcrop core physical model experiments. It was found that the influence of HPAM concentration on the flow performance was related to the core permeability. When the core permeability was lower than 59 mD, the resistance factor and residual resistance factor of HPAM increased with increasing the concentration. High molecular weight and low core permeability were not conducive to the injectability of HPAM solutions. The addition of ANS was beneficial in enhancing the injectability of HPAM solution by reducing the critical value of injectability of HPAM solution, which was elucidated by the Hall curve derivative method. In the presence of ANS, the flow pressure gradient and the residual resistance factor of the HPAM solution decreased. It is believed that the injectability of HPAM solution improved by ANS in the medium and low permeability reservoirs can be attributed to decrease in fluid viscosity and competitive adsorption on the surface of porous media. The study provides a new idea and theoretical basis for improving the injectability of an HPAM solution and the application of polymer flooding and a polymer/surfactant binary flooding system in medium and low permeability reservoirs.
Assessment of the Structure of Cutting Heads with Regard to the Mining Machine Load Using Proprietary Software
Authors: Krauze Krzysztof , Mucha Kamil , Wydro Tomasz , Klempka Ryszard
Published: September 2022

The cutting heads currently used in longwall shearers, roadheaders, road milling machines and excavators are equipped with cutting tools called picks. The most commonly applied are conical picks, less frequently—radial picks or tangent picks. The picks are detachably mounted in holders installed on the body of the cutting head, to which they are usually welded (shearers) or, less frequently, form-connected (road milling machines). The arrangement of picks and holders (positioning) on the body of the cutting head, according to a previously designed diagram (pick arrangement), enables extraction of the mineral with a specific width (web) and diameter (height). Ideally, the pick arrangement should generate the lowest cutting resistance, which loads the cutting machine. The pick arrangement is characterized by design parameters (number of holders, pitch in the line and between the cutting lines) and kinematic parameters (rotational speed and advance speed). The values of these parameters result mainly from the properties of the mineral and the type of mining machine. Therefore, the correct positioning of the holders on the cutting head and their setting (cutting angles) are vitally important. This applies to both the design and implementation stages. For this purpose, the authors first developed models of pick arrangements and, next, the algorithm and software enabling the determination of cutting resistance, both in terms of the average value and its variation. Then, based on the performed calculations and the obtained results, it can be assessed whether the cutting head and the pick arrangement are properly designed. As a result of the performed calculations and analysis of the test results, the average values of the cutting resistance moment and the cutting machine advance forces were determined. It was found that the proposed pick arrangements are characterized by similar values of moments and forces. The greatest differences were found in the variability of these parameters, which translates into the dynamics of the cutting machine operation.
Public Perception of the Use of Woody Biomass for Energy Purposes in the Evaluation of Content and Information Management on the Internet
Authors: Słupińska Kamila , Wieruszewski Marek , Szczypa Piotr , Kożuch Anna , Adamowicz Krzysztof
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the public perception of the increase in forest biomass production, particularly in Poland, in the context of global and European Union (EU) climate and energy policy directions. Trends regarding the justification of biomass production in the EU and the world were also analyzed. The study compared the results of public sentiment surveys concerning the use of biomass in Poland as a member state of the European Union. The results are presented in tabular and graphical form. Data were obtained from analyses of social websites, study reports, and information social media in Poland. This study shows an increase in the negative perception of biomass use nationally and globally. It can be concluded that the increasing trend of forest biomass extraction resulted from the growing demand for green energy sources. Changes in European Union policy affected the popularization of biomass production worldwide as a result of growing energy demand. The use of renewable energy sources is necessary to reduce environmental degradation and secure society’s growing energy needs. It is necessary to increase the flow of information about the importance of forest biomass for the environmental aspects of society in order to gain acceptance of the EU’s promoted direction of stable renewable energy.
The Influence of UV Light Exposure on the Reliability of Various Front Materials for Lightweight PV Module
Authors: Zahid Muhammad Aleem , Kim Sungheon , Jung In-Sung , Kang Seong-Hwan , Cho Young-Hyun , Cho Eun-Chel , Yi Junsin
Published: September 2022

The need for innovative design and materials is increasing for various types of photovoltaic (PV) installations in building integrated PV, agricultural, and floating systems. It is crucial to reduce the weight of the PV module to maximize its use in such applications. For this purpose, the front surface must be made of a polymer-based material instead of tempered glass. This study focuses on the analysis of the optical and ultraviolet (UV) reliability properties of various lightweight polymer front sheets. The results show that the transmittance and UV properties of the front material are good. Moreover, a PV module with a polymer front sheet rather than glass was constructed, and a characteristic investigation as well as UV reliability test were performed. The transmittance of the polycarbonate (PC) front sheet decreased by only <3% and the module fabricated with PC exhibited only an approximately 6% power drop after the UV reliability test; hence, the PC is suitable for use in the PV module industry.
Identification and Characterization of a Novel Cold-Adapted GH15 Family Trehalase from the Psychrotolerant Microbacterium phyllosphaerae LW106
Authors: Zhang Junhua , Yu Xuehua , Guan Bo , Hu Youzhen , Li Xu , Zeng Jun , Ni Yongqing
Published: September 2022

Psychrophiles inhabiting various cold environments are regarded as having evolved diverse physiological and molecular strategies, such as the accumulation of trehalose to alleviate cold stress. To investigate the possible contributions of trehalose metabolism-related enzymes to cold-adaption in psychrotrophic bacteria and enrich the resource bank of trehalose hydrolysis enzymes, a novel cold-adapted GH15 GA-like trehalase (MpTre15A) from psychrotolerant Microbacteriumphyllosphaerae LW106 isolated from glacier sediments was cloned and characterized. The recombinant MpTre15A from M. phyllosphaerae LW106 was expressed and purified in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The purified MpTre15A functioned as a hexamer and displayed maximal activity at pH 5.0 and 50 °C. Substrate specificity assay proved MpTre15A only showed hydrolytic activity toward α,α-trehalose. Site-directed mutation verified the key catalytic sites of Glu392 and Glu557 in MpTre15A. The kcat and kcat/Km values of MpTre15A at 4 °C (104.50 s−1 and 1.6 s−1 mM−1, respectively) were comparable to those observed for thermophilic GH15 trehalases at 50 °C, revealing its typical cold-adaptability. MpTre15A showed a trehalose conversion rate of 100% and 99.4% after 10 min and 15 min of incubation at 50 °C and 37 °C, respectively. In conclusion, this novel cold-adapted α,α-trehalase MpTre15A showed potential application for developing therapeutic enzymes, enzyme-based biosensors, and enzyme additives in the fermentation industry.
Optimization of a Multi-Residue Analytical Method during Determination of Pesticides in Meat Products by GC-MS/MS
Authors: Lee Sang-Hyeob , Kwak Se-Yeon , Sarker Aniruddha , Moon Joon-Kwan , Kim Jang-Eok
Published: September 2022

In this study, a multi-residue analysis was developed for 32 compounds, including pesticides and metabolites, in five meat products using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The validation of the developed analytical method was also evaluated in accordance with Codex Alimentarius guidelines. Aminopropyl (NH2), C18, and florisil solid phase extraction (SPE) cartridges were used to evaluate and optimize the cleanup procedure of the tested samples prior to GC-MS/MS analysis. Based on the analytical performance, the C18 SPE cartridge was deemed to be the most suitable among the examined SPE cartridges. The optimized method demonstrated that 29 out of 32 tested compounds acquired good linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99), and 25 tested compounds displayed the method limit of quantification (MLOQ) ≤ 0.01 mg/kg. Out of the 32 tested compounds, only 21 compounds met the acceptable analytical criteria for the lard and tallow samples, compared to 27 compounds in the beef, pork, and chicken samples that falls within the acceptable standards for recovery (70–120%) and analytical precision (relative standard deviation RSD ≤ 20%). The average matrix effect was widely varied (20.1–64.8%) in the studied meat samples that were affected by either ion enhancement or suppression. In particular, in the lard sample, 13 compounds showed poor recovery and analytical precision due to ion suppression. Thus, the matrix effect (ME) was considered a critical factor during multi-residue pesticide analysis in different meat products. In conclusion, this developed analytical method can be used as a routine monitoring system for residual pesticide analysis in livestock products with acceptable analytical standards. Further meticulous analytical studies should be optimized and validated for multi-residue pesticide analysis in diversified meat products.
Structural, Thermal and Pasting Properties of Heat-Treated Lotus Seed Starch–Protein Mixtures
Authors: Liu Sidi , Chen Wenyu , Zhang Changyu , Wu Tong , Zheng Baodong , Guo Zebin
Published: September 2022

The interactions between starch and protein, the essential components of lotus seed, strongly influence the quality of lotus seed processing by-products. This study investigated the effects of lotus seed starch–protein (LS-LP) interactions on the structural, thermal and gelatinization properties of LS-LP mixtures, using LS/LP ratios of 6:1, 6:2, 6:3, 6:4, 6:5, or 1:1, after heat treatment (95 °C, 30 min). Fourier transform infrared peaks at 1540 cm−1 and 3000–3600 cm−1 revealed the major interactions (electrostatic and hydrogen bonding) between LS and LP. The UV–visible absorption intensities (200–240 nm) of LS-LP mixtures increased with increased protein content. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy revealed that LS-LP consists of crystalline starch granules encapsulated by protein aggregates. Increasing the addition of protein to the mixtures restricted the swelling of the starch granules, based on their solubility, swelling properties and thermal properties. Viscometric analysis indicated that the formation of LS-LP mixtures improved structural and storage stability. These findings provide a practicable way to control the thermal and gelatinization properties of lotus seed starch–protein mixtures, by changing the proportions of the two components, and provide a theoretical basis for developing novel and functional lotus-seed-based foods.
Preservation of Litchi Fruit with Nanosilver Composite Particles (Ag-NP) and Resistance against Peronophythora litchi
Authors: Lin Xiaojie , Lin Yongsheng , Liao Zhengping , Niu Xianqian , Wu Yingxiang , Shao Dandan , Shen Bingrong , Shen Tingting , Wang Fang , Ding Hongyang , Ye Binji , Li Yongyu
Published: September 2022

Litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) is susceptible to infection by Peronophythora litchi post storage, which rapidly decreases the sensory and nutritional quality of the fruit. In this study, the effects of nanosilver (Ag-NP) solution treatment on the shelf life of litchi fruit and the inhibition of P. litchi were examined, and the underlying mechanisms were discussed. For investigations, we used one variety of litchi (‘Feizixiao’), dipping it in different concentrations of Ag-NP solution after harvesting. Meanwhile, we treated P. litchi with different concentrations of Ag-NP solution. According to the data analysis, litchi treated with 400 μg/mL Ag-NPs and stored at 4 °C had the highest health rate and the lowest browning index among all the samples. In the same trend, treatment with 400 μg/mL Ag-NPs produced the best results for anthocyanin content, total soluble solids content, and titratable acidity content. Additionally, according to the results of the inhibition test, 800 μg/mL Ag-NP solution had a 94.97% inhibition rate against P. litchi. Within 2–10 h following exposure to 400 μg/mL Ag-NP solution, the contents of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase in P. litchi gradually increased and peaked, followed by a gradual decline. At this time, the integrity of the cell membrane of P. litchi could be broken by Ag-NP solution, and the sporangia showed deformed germ tubes and abnormal shapes. Taken together, these results suggested that Ag-NP treatment inhibited respiration and P. litchi activity, which might attenuate litchi pericarp browning and prolong the shelf life of litchi. Accordingly, Ag-NPs could be used as an effective antistaling agent in litchi fruit and as an ecofriendly fungicide for the post-harvest control of litchi downy blight. This study provides new insights into the application of Ag-NP as an antistaling agent for fruit storage and as an ecofriendly fungicide.
A Comprehensive Review on the Processing of Dried Fish and the Associated Chemical and Nutritional Changes
Authors: Fitri Nursyah , Chan Sharon Xi Ying , Che Lah Noor Hanini , Jam Faidruz Azura , Misnan Norazlan Mohmad , Kamal Nurkhalida , Sarian Murni Nazira , Mohd Lazaldin Mohd Aizuddin , Low Chen Fei , Hamezah Hamizah Shahirah , Rohani Emelda Rosseleena , Mediani Ahmed , Abas Faridah
Published: September 2022

Fish is a good source of nutrients, although it is easily spoiled. As such, drying is a common method of preserving fish to compensate for its perishability. Dried fish exists in different cultures with varying types of fish used and drying methods. These delicacies are not only consumed for their convenience and for their health benefits, as discussed in this review. Most commonly, salt and spices are added to dried fish to enhance the flavours and to decrease the water activity (aw) of the fish, which further aids the drying process. For fish to be dried effectively, the temperature, drying environment, and time need to be considered along with the butchering method used on the raw fish prior to drying. Considering the various contributing factors, several physicochemical and biochemical changes will certainly occur in the fish. In this review, the pH, water activity (aw), lipid oxidation, and colour changes in fish drying are discussed as well as the proximate composition of dried fish. With these characteristic changes in dried fish, the sensory, microbial and safety aspects of dried fish are also affected, revolving around the preferences of consumers and their health concerns, especially based on how drying is efficient in eliminating/reducing harmful microbes from the fish. Interestingly, several studies have focused on upscaling the efficiency of dried fish production to generate a safer line of dried fish products with less effort and time. An exploratory approach of the published literature was conducted to achieve the purpose of this review. This evaluation gathers important information from all available library databases from 1990 to 2022. In general, this review will benefit the fishery and food industry by enabling them to enhance the efficiency and safety of fish drying, hence minimising food waste without compromising the quality and nutritional values of dried fish.
Huangshan Maofeng Green Tea Extracts Prevent Obesity-Associated Metabolic Disorders by Maintaining Homeostasis of Gut Microbiota and Hepatic Lipid Classes in Leptin Receptor Knockout Rats
Authors: Wu Guohuo , Gu Wei , Cheng Huijun , Guo Huimin , Li Daxiang , Xie Zhongwen
Published: September 2022

Huangshan Maofeng green tea (HMGT) is one of the most well-known green teas consumed for a thousand years in China. Research has demonstrated that consumption of green tea effectively improves metabolic disorders. However, the underlying mechanisms of obesity prevention are still not well understood. This study investigated the preventive effect and mechanism of long-term intervention of Huangshan Maofeng green tea water extract (HTE) on obesity-associated metabolic disorders in leptin receptor knockout (Lepr−/−) rats by using gut microbiota and hepatic lipidomics data. The Lepr−/− rats were administered with 700 mg/kg HTE for 24 weeks. Our results showed that HTE supplementation remarkably reduced excessive fat accumulation, as well as ameliorated hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis in Lepr−/− rats. In addition, HTE increased gut microbiota diversity and restored the relative abundance of the microbiota responsible for producing short chain fatty acids, including Ruminococcaceae, Faecalibaculum, Veillonellaceae, etc. Hepatic lipidomics analysis found that HTE significantly recovered glycerolipid and glycerophospholipid classes in the liver of Lepr−/− rats. Furthermore, nineteen lipid species, mainly from phosphatidylcholines (PCs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and triglycerides (TGs), were significantly restored increases, while nine lipid species from TGs and diglycerides (DGs) were remarkably recovered decreases by HTE in the liver of Lepr−/− rats. Our results indicated that prevention of obesity complication by HTE may be possible through maintaining homeostasis of gut microbiota and certain hepatic lipid classes.
Inhibitory Effect against Listeria monocytogenes of Carbon Nanoparticles Loaded with Copper as Precursors of Food Active Packaging
Authors: Scattareggia Marchese Adriana , Destro Elena , Boselli Carlo , Barbero Francesco , Malandrino Mery , Cardeti Giusy , Fenoglio Ivana , Lanni Luigi
Published: September 2022

Human listeriosis is a serious foodborne disease of which outbreaks are occurring increasingly frequently in Europe. Around the world, different legal requirements exist to guarantee food safety. Nanomaterials are increasingly used in the food industry as inhibitors of pathogens, and carbon nanomaterials are among the most promising. In the present study, novel carbon nanoparticles loaded with copper (CNP-Cu) were prepared, and their antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes was assessed. CNPs of two sizes were synthesized and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) and electron microscopy (EM). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of CNP-Cu was determined in accordance with the available standard. To get insights into its mechanism of action, the release of copper ions into a cell media was assessed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission (ICP-OE), and the ability of loaded CNPs to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) was evaluated by EPR spectroscopy. Finally, the extent of release of copper in a food simulant was assessed. The results demonstrated the antimicrobial effectiveness of CNP-Cu, with growth inhibition up to 85% and a release of copper that was more pronounced in an acidic food simulant. Overall, the results indicate CNP-Cu as a promising agent for the design of active food packaging which is able to improve food shelf-life.
Preservation Factors during Cretaceous Oceanic Anoxic Events in the Espírito Santo Basin, Southeast Brazil
Authors: Venancio Igor M. , Santos Thiago P. , Bione Fellippe R. A. , Belem Andre L. , Bernardes Marcelo C. , Díaz Rut A. , Moreira Manuel , Carreira Victor , Spigolon André , Souza Igor V. , Albuquerque Ana Luiza S.
Published: September 2022

The oceanic anoxic events (OAEs) are characterized by enhanced accumulation of organic matter in marine sediments. However, there is still an ongoing debate regarding the interplay between production and preservation during these events. Moreover, few studies provide quantitative estimations of primary productivity and/or the amount of carbon preserved during the OAEs. Here, we used geochemical data from multiple wells located at the Espírito Santo Basin that cover the intervals of events OAE1d and OAE2 to provide quantitative estimates of preservation factors. Our results show enhanced preservation during OAEs compared to modern conditions and a stronger preservation during OAE1d compared to OAE2 in the Espírito Santo Basin. The amount of preserved carbon could reach up to 8.6% during OAE1d, depending on the productivity of the system. In addition, we show that such improvement in preservation is linked to the bottom water with low-O2 concentrations and not due to fast burial caused by high sedimentation rates. Our findings are extremally relevant for organic carbon and source rock modelling studies since model simulations need quantitative estimations.
Predictors of the Public’s Aversion to Patients Infected with COVID-19 in China: The Mediating Role of Negative Physiology
Authors: Zhang Ke , Han Boya , Meng Ran , Hou Jiayi , Chen Long
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 has had a lasting impact on the public’s mental health. Understanding the mechanism of the formation of the public’s aversion to COVID-19-infected people can not only help eliminate the irrational stigma, rejection, and aversion of the public but also promote the creation of a harmonious and healthy social atmosphere. Based on stimulus–organism–response theory, this study explored the relationships between environmental stimuli, public negative physiology, and aversion responses. A cross-sectional, online-based survey study was conducted in April 2022. A total of 1863 effective questionnaires from respondents of various ages, genders, incomes, and education levels were acquired. Structural equation modeling was used to test the proposed model. The environmental stimuli including the use of social media and the perception of risk communication aggravated the negative physiology of the public, while the public’s perception of prevention measures reduced the public’s negative physiology during the epidemic. The negative physiology of the public increases the public’s aversion responses, including disgust, stigma, and avoidance, toward patients infected with COVID-19. The negative physiology of the public plays a mediating role in the relationship between the environmental stimuli and the public’s aversion to patients infected with COVID-19. The emergence of excessive information in social media and strict prevention measures in daily life, as well as the dissemination of a large amount of risk information in pseudo-environments and realistic environments, have all exerted an impact on public sentiment and cognition. In the case of the prolonged spread of the epidemic, the accumulation of negative physiology, such as anxiety, panic, and depression, is more likely to lead to the public’s aversion to people with COVID-19.
How Internet Websites Portray Herbal Vitality Products Containing Eurycoma longifolia Jack: An Evaluation of the Quality and Risks of Online Information
Authors: Wahab Mohd Shahezwan Abd , Abd Hamid Nurfarah Nadiah , Yassen Ali Omar , Naim Mohd Javed , Ahamad Javed , Zulkifli Nur Wahida , Ismail Farhana Fakhira , Zulkifli Muhammad Harith , Goh Khang Wen , Ming Long Chiau
Published: September 2022

Background: Tongkat Ali (TA) or Eurycoma longifolia is a herbal medicine (HM) plant traditionally used to treat sexual dysfunction and enhance libido in men. Websites containing information about HM are abundant. However, studies have shown that in general the quality of websites containing information on HM is low. The present study aims to assess the quality and risks of websites containing information about TA supplements and to identify the health claims for TA. Methodology: A cross-sectional study to evaluate the quality and risks of websites discussing TA supplements was conducted. Online marketing websites, research articles, news articles, personal opinions, and those restricted by password were excluded. The quality and risks of websites were assessed using a modified DISCERN tool and a set of risk assessment criteria, respectively. The health claims for TA were identified and analyzed using content analysis. Results: Overall, 321 websites met the inclusion criteria and were further evaluated. The overall rating of the quality of the websites was low, with a mean score ± standard deviation of 1.07 ± 0.51. Most websites lacked information that there may be more than one possible treatment choice and did not discuss areas of uncertainty. However, 67.9% (218/321) of the websites received a risk score of zero. A minority of websites (5/321, 1.6%) discouraged the use of conventional medicines. The most common health claims for TA included in the websites related to the enhancement of testosterone level (121/321, 37.7%), treatment of malaria (112/321, 34.9%), and improvement in libido (108/321, 33.6%). Conclusions: Websites containing information about TA supplements generally have a low-quality rating based on a modified DISCERN tool despite having a low-risk score. Government agencies and healthcare professionals (HCPs) must be more proactive in the critique and dissemination of information relating to HM, and in ensuring the safe use of HM among the public and patients.
Shoulder Dislocation Incidence and Risk Factors—Rural vs. Urban Populations of Poland
Authors: Szyluk Karol , Niemiec Paweł , Sieroń Dominik , Lukoszek Dawid , Gierek Marcin , Lorek Andrzej , Christe Andreas
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of shoulder dislocation and to estimate non-modifiable risk factors in rural and urban subgroups in Poland. (2) Methods: The study covered the entire Polish population, divided into urban and rural subgroups and observed between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2014. The study population consisted of Polish patients with a diagnosis of shoulder dislocation (S43.0) in accordance with the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10). Records were obtained from the public health care provider National Health Found (Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia, NFZ). Based on these data, we assessed shoulder dislocation incidence and risk rates, stratifying the study sample by sex, age and place of residence (rural or urban) using the Central Statistical Office (GUS) personal territorial code (TERYT). (3) The incidence was 25.97/100,000 person-years in rural areas and 25.62/100,000 person-years in urban areas. We did not find significant differences in the incidence between the two subgroups. The highest incidence (75.12/100,000 person-years) and the highest risk for shoulder dislocation were found among subjects 80+ years old living in urban areas. Furthermore, men in the third decade of their life living in urban areas showed the highest risk (OR = 7.8, 95% CI; 6.44–9.45, p < 0.001). In both subgroups, the likelihood of shoulder dislocation was significantly lower for the female sex and among children ≤9 years old. However, girls living in rural areas presented with a significantly higher likelihood for dislocation compared with their peers living in urban environments. (4) Conclusions: No significant difference in the incidence rate of shoulder dislocation between Polish residents living in rural and urban areas emerged. The highest incidence was observed among female subjects 80+ years old living in urban environments. The highest risk was found among men in the third decade of their life living in urban areas. In addition, girls in the first decade of their life living in rural areas had more shoulder dislocations than girls living in urban environments. Shoulder dislocation is dominant in female subjects aged 70–79 living in rural areas and in females 80+ years old living in urban areas.
CTX-M-Producing Bacteria Isolated from a Highly Polluted River System in Portugal
Authors: Tacão Marta , Laço José , Teixeira Pedro , Henriques Isabel
Published: September 2022

Enterobacteriaceae resistant to third-generation cephalosporins are a great concern for public health, as these are first-line drugs to treat infections. The production of carbapenemases and extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and/or the overexpression of AmpC β-lactamases are the main mechanisms of resistance to these antibiotics. Among the ESBLs, CTX-M β-lactamases are the most prevalent worldwide. Our aims were to determine the prevalence of cefotaxime-resistant Enterobacteriaceae along a heavily polluted river and characterize blaCTX-M carriers. River water was collected in 11 sites along the main course and tributaries, in two sampling moments. Water quality was evaluated and a collection of cefotaxime-resistant isolates was obtained. blaCTX-M carriers were characterized regarding phylogenetic affiliation, clonality, antibiotic susceptibility, gene diversity, and context. Water presented very low quality in all sites. From 147 cefotaxime-resistant isolates, 46% carried blaCTX-M and were affiliated with Escherichia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Citrobacter. Molecular typing revealed clonal isolates in different sites and over the two years, suggesting survival of the strains in the river or continuous pollution inputs from the same sources. Eight variants of blaCTX-M were found, with blaCTX-M-15 being the most prevalent (52.5%). Sites with a lower water quality showed the highest resistance rates and prevalence of blaCTX-M, suggesting that river water may embody human health risks.
Awareness of Alcohol and Cancer Risk and the California Proposition 65 Warning Sign Updates: A Natural Experiment
Authors: Budenz Alexandra , Moser Richard P. , Eck Raimee , Agurs-Collins Tanya , McNeel Timothy S. , Klein William M. P. , Berrigan David
Published: September 2022

In 1986, California enacted Proposition 65 (P65), requiring businesses to display warning signs informing consumers that specific chemicals and alcohol exposure increase the risk of cancer and reproductive harm. In 2018, the P65 alcohol warning signs were updated to include an informational P65 website link, and the update was associated with media coverage and increased enforcement of warning requirements. This study examines knowledge of the association between alcohol use and cancer risk in California compared to the rest of the US before and after the 2018 P65 update. We analyzed state-level data on alcohol and cancer knowledge from the Health Information National Trends Survey from 2017 (n = 3285), 2019 (n = 5438), and 2020 (n = 3865). We performed multinomial logistic regressions to examine knowledge levels by survey year and location (California vs. all other states) and reported the predicted marginals of knowledge by survey year and location. The adjusted prevalence of respondents who reported an association between alcohol and cancer risk was higher in California (41.6%) than the remaining states (34.1%) (p = 0.04). However, knowledge levels decreased significantly over survey years, and there was no evidence for an effect of the P65 update on knowledge in California compared to other states based on the testing of an interaction between state and year (p = 0.32). The 1986 warning signs may have had an enduring effect on awareness, though the update, so far, has not. Further efforts are needed to determine how to increase alcohol and cancer knowledge to address the burden of alcohol-attributable cancers.
High Urban-Rural Inequities of Abdominal Obesity in Malawi: Insights from the 2009 and 2017 Malawi Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors Surveys
Authors: Samadoulougou Sékou , Diallo Mariam , Cissé Kadari , Ngwasiri Calypse , Aminde Leopold Ndemnge , Kirakoya-Samadoulogou Fati
Published: September 2022

Geographical disparities in abdominal obesity (AO) exist in low-income countries due to major demographic and structural changes in urban and rural areas. We aimed to investigate differences in the urban–rural prevalence of AO in the Malawi population between 2009 and 2017. We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Malawi 2009 and 2017 STEPS surveys. AO (primary outcome) and very high waist circumference (secondary outcome) were defined using WHO criteria. Prevalence estimates of AO and very high waist circumference (WC) were standardized by age and sex using the age and sex structure of the adult population in Malawi provided by the 2018 census. A modified Poisson regression analysis adjusted for sociodemographic covariates was performed to compare the outcomes between the two groups (urban versus rural). In total, 4708 adults in 2009 and 3054 adults in 2017 aged 25–64 were included in the study. In 2009, the age–sex standardized prevalence of AO was higher in urban than rural areas (40.9% vs 22.0%; adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36–1.67; p < 0.001). There was no significant trend for closing this gap in 2017 (urban 37.0% and rural 21.4%; aPR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.23–1.77; p < 0.001). This urban–rural gap remained and was slightly wider when considering the ‘very high WC’ threshold in 2009 (17.0% vs. 7.1%; aPR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.58–2.47; p < 0.001); and in 2017 (21.4% vs. 8.3%; aPR, 2.03; 95%CI, 1.56–2.62; p < 0.001). Significant urban–rural differences exist in the prevalence of AO and very high WC in Malawi, and the gap has not improved over the last eight years. More effective weight management strategies should be promoted to reduce health care disparities in Malawi, particularly in urban areas.
How Safety Climate Impacts Safety Voice—Investigating the Mediating Role of Psychological Safety from a Social Cognitive Perspective
Authors: Sun Yunfeng , Yang Hao , Wu Xiang , Jiang Yifeng , Qian Chongyang
Published: September 2022

Safety voice has become a popular research topic in the organizational safety field because it helps to prevent accidents. A good safety climate and psychological safety can motivate employees to actively express their ideas about safety, but the specific mechanisms of safety climate and psychological safety, on safety voice, are not yet clear. Based on the “environment-subject cognition-behavior” triadic interaction model of social cognitive theory, this paper explores the relationship between safety climate and safety voice, and the mediating role of psychological safety. We collected questionnaires and conducted data analysis of the valid questionnaires using analytical methods such as hierarchical regression, stepwise regression, and the bootstrap sampling method. We found that safety climate significantly and positively influenced safety voice, and psychological safety played a mediating role between safety climate and safety voice, which strengthened the positive relationship between them. From the research results, it was clear that to stimulate employees to express safety voice behavior, organizations should strive to create a good safety climate and pay attention to building employees’ psychological safety. The findings of this paper provide useful insights for the management of employee safety voice behavior in enterprises.
Integrated Approach for Safety Culture Factor Evaluation from a Sustainability Perspective
Authors: Jasiulewicz-Kaczmarek Małgorzata , Antosz Katarzyna , Wyczółkowski Ryszard , Sławińska Małgorzata
Published: September 2022

Traditionally, sustainable development has been seen as a combination of three pillars: economic, social and environmental development. In recent years, another one has been added to these three pillars, namely culture, as being indispensable in achieving sustainable development. This study proposes an integrated approach for the identification and classification of safety culture factors in the company in a sustainability context. The research design was based on the assumption that safety culture is part of organizational culture that should support the development of corporate sustainability. Firstly, the identification of the safety culture factors (SCFs) based on the literature review was presented. Then, the ISM method was used to identify the interaction between SCFs and to develop the hierarchical structure of these factors. In the next step, ISM was integrated with the MICMAC method to cluster the factors based on driving power and dependence power into four categories. Finally, safety culture factors with high driving power were rated using the fuzzy TOPSIS method from the sustainability dimension perspective. This approach was used in an automotive industry company to improve and develop the company’s practices aimed at implementing a sustainable development strategy. A sensitivity analysis was also carried out to monitor the robustness of the approach.
Responsive Feeding Environments in Childcare Settings: A Scoping Review of the Factors Influencing Implementation and Sustainability
Authors: McIsaac Jessie-Lee D. , MacQuarrie Madison , Barich Rachel , Morris Sarah , Turner Joan C. , Rossiter Melissa D.
Published: September 2022

Children benefit from responsive feeding environments, where their internal signals of hunger and satiety are recognized and met with prompt, emotionally supportive and developmentally appropriate responses. Although there is existing research on responsive feeding environments in childcare, there is little synthesized literature on the implementation practices using a behavior change framework. This scoping review sought to explore the factors influencing the implementation and sustainability of responsive feeding interventions in the childcare environment, using the behavior change wheel (BCW). A total of 3197 articles were independently reviewed and 39 met the inclusion criteria. A thematic analysis identified the factors influencing the implementation and sustainability of responsive feeding, including the following: (1) pre-existing nutrition policies, (2) education and training, (3) provider beliefs and confidence, (4) partnership development and stakeholder engagement and (5) resource availability. The most common BCW intervention functions were education (n = 39), training (n = 38), environmental restructuring (n = 38) and enablement (n = 36). The most common policy categories included guidelines (n = 39), service provision (n = 38) and environmental/social planning (n = 38). The current literature suggests that broader policies are important for responsive feeding, along with local partnerships, training and resources, to increase confidence and efficacy among educators. Future research should consider how the use of a BCW framework may help to address the barriers to implementation and sustainability.
Effectiveness of Dietary Intervention with Iron and Vitamin C Administered Separately in Improving Iron Status in Young Women
Authors: Skolmowska Dominika , Głąbska Dominika
Published: September 2022

In order to maintain an adequate iron status in young women, effective dietary interventions should provide sufficient amounts of iron in everyday meals and improve the bioavailability of non-heme iron by providing vitamin C. While some intervention studies administering products rich in vitamin C in conjunction with iron sources showed improved iron status, it is unknown whether a separate administration of products rich in iron and vitamin C may be a successful strategy as well. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of dietary intervention with iron and vitamin C administered separately in improving iron status in young women to prevent iron deficiency anemia. The study was conducted in a group of 29 women aged 18–30, and an 8-week dietary intervention was performed. Study participants with an adequate iron status received 50 g of iron-fortified oat flakes (as a source of non-heme iron) with breakfast and 200 mL of orange juice (as a source of vitamin C) in the second part of the day. Iron status was analyzed based on red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum ferritin, and serum iron, and it was assessed at baseline, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks of the intervention. The intakes of iron, vitamin C, and folate were controlled throughout the study period, and menstrual blood loss was estimated. After 8 weeks of intervention, statistically significant differences compared with baseline were observed only for hematocrit, as its level after 8 weeks of intervention was higher than the baseline (p = 0.0491). Comparing subsamples within the dietary intervention considered effective and ineffective for red blood cell levels, it was indicated that lower baseline vitamin C intake may result in a more effective dietary intervention (p = 0.0231). Comparing subsamples within the dietary intervention considered effective and ineffective for hemoglobin, hematocrit, iron, and serum ferritin levels, it was indicated that higher baseline levels of hemoglobin (p = 0.0143), hematocrit (p = 0.0497), iron (p = 0.0101), and serum ferritin (p = 0.0343) respectively may result in a more effective dietary intervention. It was concluded that dietary intervention with iron and vitamin C administered separately may be effective in improving iron status in young women to prevent iron deficiency anemia. It may be concluded that in the studied group, a better baseline iron status and lower baseline vitamin C intake may result in a more effective dietary intervention with iron and vitamin C administered separately to improve iron status in young women.
Does a Traceability System Help to Regulate Pig Farm Households’ Veterinary Drug Use Behavior? Evidence from Pig Farms in China
Authors: Liu Zengjin , Geng Ning , Yu Zhuo
Published: September 2022

In China, there is a renewed interest in traceability systems as an efficient tool to guarantee pork safety. One of the pathways through which a traceability system can benefit consumers is by easing information asymmetry. However, past literature on the traceability system in China pays more attention to theoretical analysis and less to empirical analysis. Using a large-scale survey of pig farms in China, we investigate the effects influencing farmers’ participation in the traceability system. Findings show that a traceability system can influence the safety of pork indirectly through its impacts on farmers’ production behaviors. Another important finding is that unsafe pork is a result of non-standard use of veterinary drugs, and the traceability system works well for farmers by pushing them to take stricter safety measurements.
Body Composition and Its Perception among Professional Female Volleyball Players and Fitness Athletes (Silesia, Poland)
Authors: Białek-Dratwa Agnieszka , Staśkiewicz Wiktoria , Grajek Mateusz , Filip Aleksandra , Rozmiarek Mateusz , Krupa-Kotara Karolina , Kowalski Oskar
Published: September 2022

Female athletes experience both sociocultural and sport-specific pressures of an ideal body and appearance and are vulnerable to dissatisfaction with their bodies. Among sport-specific pressures, the type of sport is a predictor of body image dissatisfaction. The study included 150 females: 50 volleyball players, 50 bodybuilding and fitness athletes, and 50 female students, who were the control group. Body composition and perception and evaluation of one’s own body were assessed. BMI was similar in the study group of female athletes and the control group, but the bodybuilding and fitness athletes had the lowest body fat, while the control group had the highest. Perception of one’s own body in the aspect of the evaluation of specific body parts was highest among bodybuilding and fitness athletes, while in the aspect of body condition, the best results were obtained by volleyball players. Most female volleyball players were dissatisfied with their current body weight, as were women in the control group, in contrast to female bodybuilding and fitness athletes, who were most often satisfied with their current body weight.
Characterizing Subjects Exposed to Humidifier Disinfectants Using Computed-Tomography-Based Latent Traits: A Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Li Frank , Choi Jiwoong , Zhang Xuan , Rajaraman Prathish K. , Lee Chang-Hyun , Ko Hongseok , Chae Kum-Ju , Park Eun-Kee , Comellas Alejandro P. , Hoffman Eric A. , Lin Ching-Long
Published: September 2022

Around nine million people have been exposed to toxic humidifier disinfectants (HDs) in Korea. HD exposure may lead to HD-associated lung injuries (HDLI). However, many people who have claimed that they experienced HD exposure were not diagnosed with HDLI but still felt discomfort, possibly due to the unknown effects of HD. Therefore, this study examined HD-exposed subjects with normal-appearing lungs, as well as unexposed subjects, in clusters (subgroups) with distinct characteristics, classified by deep-learning-derived computed-tomography (CT)-based tissue pattern latent traits. Among the major clusters, cluster 0 (C0) and cluster 5 (C5) were dominated by HD-exposed and unexposed subjects, respectively. C0 was characterized by features attributable to lung inflammation or fibrosis in contrast with C5. The computational fluid and particle dynamics (CFPD) analysis suggested that the smaller airway sizes observed in the C0 subjects led to greater airway resistance and particle deposition in the airways. Accordingly, women appeared more vulnerable to HD-associated lung abnormalities than men.