bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
VinegarScan: A Computer Tool Based on Ultraviolet Spectroscopy for a Rapid Authentication of Wine Vinegars
Authors: Ríos-Reina Rocío , Caballero Daniel , Azcarate Silvana M. , García-González Diego L. , Callejón Raquel M. , Amigo José M.
Published: October 2021

Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy has shown successful results in the last few years to characterize and classify wine vinegar according to its quality, particularly those with a protected designation of origin (PDO). Due to these promising results, together with the simplicity, price, speed, portability of this technique and its ability to create robust hierarchical classification models, the objective of this work was the development of a computer tool or software, named VinegarScan, which uses the UV-vis spectra to be able to perform quality control and authentication of wine vinegar in a quick and user-friendly way. This software was based on the open-source GUI created in C++ using several data mining algorithms (e.g., decision trees, classification algorithms) on UV-vis spectra. This software achieved satisfactory prediction results with the available analytical UV-vis data. The future idea of utility is to combine the VinegarScan tool with a portable UV-vis device that could be used by control bodies of the wine vinegar industry to achieve a clear differentiation from their competitors to avoid fraud.
Foreign Body Ingestion in Neurologically Impaired Children: A Challenging Diagnosis and Management in Pediatric Surgery
Authors: Destro Francesca , Caruso Anna Maria , Mantegazza Cecilia , Maestri Luciano , Meroni Milena , Pederiva Federica , Milazzo Mario , Acierno Carlo , Zuccotti Gianvincenzo , Calcaterra Valeria , Pelizzo Gloria
Published: October 2021

Children with intellectual disability/neurodevelopmental delay (ID-ND) commonly ingest foreign bodies (FB) and often present complications due to peculiar aspects of their condition. The aim of this paper is to report the experience of two centers in the management of ID-ND patients after FB ingestion and to discuss a possible algorithm for clinical practice. We retrospectively evaluated data of patients managed for FB ingestion (period: 2017–2021), focusing on those with ID-ND, specifically demographics and baseline diagnosis, elements related to the event, symptoms, time to endoscopy, FB location, endoscopic details, and follow-up. A total of 457 patients were managed in the study period and 19 had ID-ND (mean age 9.8 ± 3.5 years, 15 males). A total of 16/19 (84.2%) were symptomatic and required an operative approach. Recurrent ingestions and multiple FB were found in 2 and 11 patients, respectively. Endoscopy (mean time 65.6 ± 41 min) was effective in 14 cases (73.6%) and 6 patients (31.6%) developed a complication. FB ingestion in ID-ND patients represents a challenging condition for the clinician and a potentially dangerous situation. It should be addressed specifically by a multidisciplinary team considering a tailored diagnostic and management protocol.
Treatment Strategy for Dialysis Patient with Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Yun-Ching , Liu Yu-Liang , Chen Miao-Fen , Chen Chih-Shou , Wu Chun-Te
Published: October 2021

To investigate postoperative complications and oncologic outcomes of prophylactic nephroureterectomy and/or cystectomy in dialysis patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC), we retrospectively reviewed the records of dialysis patients with UC and a final status of complete urinary tract extirpation (CUTE, i.e., the removal of both kidneys, ureters, and bladder) between January 2004 and December 2015. Patients undergoing dialysis after initial radical nephroureterectomy and/or cystectomy were excluded. Eighty-four and 27 dialysis patients, undergoing one-stage and multi-stage CUTE, were enrolled in this study, respectively. Demographic, medical, perioperative, and pathologic features were collected to determine variables associated with oncologic outcomes. Although there was no significant difference in mortality between the 2 groups (p = 0.333), all 5 (4.5%) patients with Clavien–Dindo grade 5 complications were from the one-stage CUTE group. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, advanced age (p = 0.042) and high Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (p = 0.000) were related to postoperative major complications. Compared with multi-stage CUTE, one-stage CUTE had no overall, cancer-specific, and recurrence-free survival benefits (all p > 0.05). According to multivariate analysis with Cox regression, age > 70 years (HR 2.70, 95% CI 1.2–6.12; p = 0.017), CCI ≥ 5 (HR 2.16, 95% CI 1.01–4.63; p = 0.048), and bladder cancer stage ≥ 3 (HR 12.4, 95% CI 1.82–84.7; p = 0.010) were independent, unfavorable prognostic factors for the overall survival. One-stage CUTE is not associated with superior oncologic outcomes, and all perioperative mortalities in our series occurred in the one-stage CUTE group. Our data do not support prophylactic nephroureterectomy and/or cystectomy for uremic patients with UC.
Current Status of Photodynamic Diagnosis for Gastric Tumors
Authors: Kurumi Hiroki , Kanda Tsutomu , Ikebuchi Yuichiro , Yoshida Akira , Kawaguchi Koichiro , Yashima Kazuo , Isomoto Hajime
Published: October 2021

Although the recent development and widespread use of image-enhanced endoscopy and magnifying endoscopy have improved endoscopic diagnosis of gastric cancer, it is somewhat complicated, requires a higher level of expertise, and is still subjective. Photodynamic endoscopic diagnosis (PDED) is based on the fluorescence of photosensitizers that accumulate in tumors, which enables objective evaluation independent of the endoscopist’s experience, and is useful for tumor detection. The objective of this work was to perform a narrative review of PDED for gastric tumors and to introduce our approach to PDED in gastric tumors in our hospital. In our review there have been case reports of PDED for gastric cancer, but its usefulness has not been established because no prospective studies evaluating its usefulness have been performed. In our previous study, 85.7% (42/49) of gastric tumors exhibited fluorescence in PDED. PDED may be useful in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer. Our previous studies were pilot studies in cancer patients; therefore, future prospective studies are required to verify the usefulness of PDED.
Clinical Management and Outcome of Grade III Pneumonitis after Chemoradioimmunotherapy for Inoperable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer—A Prospective Longitudinal Assessment
Authors: Kauffmann-Guerrero Diego , Taugner Julian , Eze Chukwuka , Käsmann Lukas , Li Minglun , Tufman Amanda , Manapov Farkhad
Published: October 2021

Background: Maintenance treatment with immune-checkpoint inhibition (ICI) has been shown to significantly improve patient prognosis after chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for inoperable stage III NSCLC. This survival advantage may be achieved at the expense of an increased probability for symptomatic pneumonitis as CRT as well as ICI treatment is associated with the risk of treatment-related pulmonary toxicity. Methods: We screened a prospective chemoradioimmunotherapy (CRT-IO) cohort consisting of 38 patients and identified patients with therapy-related grade 3 pneumonitis. All patients were treated with intravenous high dose corticosteroids and closely monitored by CT-scans and extended longitudinal lung function tests. We analyzed lung function parameters and CT morphological features to characterize patients’ outcome. Results: Six (16%) patients treated with CRT-IO developed grade 3 pneumonitis one to six months after completion CRT. In the CT imaging, pneumonitis was characterized by diffuse ground glass capacities and in part pulmonary consolidations within and outside the planning target volume. Onset of pneumonitis was accompanied by a reduction in diffusion capacity in all cases. The mean decline of diffusion capacity was 25.8% [6–53%]. Under treatment with corticosteroids, all patients recovered regarding symptoms and changes in CT morphology. In five out of six patients, diffusion capacity improved to at least 80% of the baseline [80–96%]. One patient showed a significant increase of diffusion capacity after treatment (from 32% to 53%) but reached only 62% of the initial value. Conclusions: Pneumonitis is a severe complication of CRT-IO. High-resolution CT imaging and extended lung function testing proved to be a suitable approach in detecting and monitoring of CRT-IO associated pneumonitis.
“We’ve Always Been Engineers:” Indigenous Student Voices on Engineering and Leadership Identities
Authors: Kwapisz Monika , Hughes Bryce E. , Schell William J. , Ward Eric , Sybesma Tessa
Published: October 2021

Background: How do Indigenous engineering students describe their engineering leadership development? The field of engineering has made only slow and modest progress at increasing the participation of Indigenous people; an identity-conscious focus on leadership in engineering may help connect the practice of engineering with Indigenous students’ motivations and values. Methods: This study utilized a grounded theory qualitative approach to understand how Indigenous engineering students at a U.S.-based university experience engineering leadership. We explored the experiences of four Indigenous engineering students through one interview and one focus group. Results: Students pointed out how Indigenous peoples had long engaged in engineering work before contact with European settlers, and they saw an opportunity for leadership in applying their engineering knowledge in ways that uplifted their home communities. Conclusion: In addition to ways that engineering programs can better support Indigenous students who aspire to become practicing engineers, our study pointed to new directions engineering programs could take to frame engineering work as providing a toolkit to improve one’s community to leverage a wider set of motivations for entering engineering among many different communities underrepresented in engineering, including Indigenous students.
Validity and Reliability of Adapted Self-Efficacy Scales in Malaysian Context Using PLS-SEM Approach
Authors: Mohd Dzin Najah Hazirah , Lay Yoon Fah
Published: October 2021

Self-efficacy scales have been used widely across curriculum and demographic structures, while retaining their objectivity in a specific domain. This pilot study aimed to test the validity and reliability of adapted scales that incorporated four sources of self-efficacy (mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, social persuasion, and emotional and physiological states), as well as science self-efficacy in the Malaysian context. A total of 109 students participated in this study. Data were analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), by using the partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) approach. The reliability criteria were determined through outer loading and composite reliability (CR). The assessment of convergent validity was performed using the average variance extracted (AVE), while the discriminant validity of this instrument was confirmed using the heterotrait–monotrait criterion (HTMT), along with the bootstrapping procedure. The CR values were at a satisfactory level, and two indicators were eliminated (PM3 and PMPR6) to improve the AVE values of the construct. All the values were assessed in the HTMT criterion, along with the confidence intervals in the range recommended to prove discriminant validity. The assessment of validity and reliability, through PLS-SEM, indicated that the scales used in this study are valid and statistically reliable.
A Review on Kinetic Energy Harvesting with Focus on 3D Printed Electromagnetic Vibration Harvesters
Authors: Gawron Philipp , Wendt Thomas M. , Stiglmeier Lukas , Hangst Nikolai , Himmelsbach Urban B.
Published: October 2021

The increasing amount of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and wearables require a reliable energy source. Energy harvesting can power these devices without changing batteries. Three-dimensional printing allows us to manufacture tailored harvesting devices in an easy and fast way. This paper presents the development of hybrid and non-hybrid 3D printed electromagnetic vibration energy harvesters. Various harvesting approaches, their utilised geometry, functional principle, power output and the applied printing processes are shown. The gathered harvesters are analysed, challenges examined and research gaps in the field identified. The advantages and challenges of 3D printing harvesters are discussed. Reported applications and strategies to improve the performance of printed harvesting devices are presented.
Analysis for Non-Residential Short-Term Load Forecasting Using Machine Learning and Statistical Methods with Financial Impact on the Power Market
Authors: Ungureanu Stefan , Topa Vasile , Cziker Andrei Cristinel
Published: October 2021

Short-term load forecasting predetermines how power systems operate because electricity production needs to sustain demand at all times and costs. Most load forecasts for the non-residential consumers are empirically done either by a customer’s employee or supplier personnel based on experience and historical data, which is frequently not consistent. Our objective is to develop viable and market-oriented machine learning models for short-term forecasting for non-residential consumers. Multiple algorithms were implemented and compared to identify the best model for a cluster of industrial and commercial consumers. The article concludes that the sliding window approach for supervised learning with recurrent neural networks can learn short and long-term dependencies in time series. The best method implemented for the 24 h forecast is a Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) applied for aggregated loads over three months of testing data resulted in 5.28% MAPE and minimized the cost with 5326.17 € compared with the second-best method LSTM. We propose a new model to evaluate the gap between evaluation metrics and the financial impact of forecast errors in the power market environment. The model simulates bidding on the power market based on the 24 h forecast and using the Romanian day-ahead market and balancing prices through the testing dataset.
Revisiting the Role of Fiscal Policy, Financial Development, and Foreign Direct Investment in Reducing Environmental Pollution during Globalization Mode: Evidence from Linear and Nonlinear Panel Data Approaches
Authors: Kamal Mustafa , Usman Muhammad , Jahanger Atif , Balsalobre-Lorente Daniel
Published: October 2021

Fiscal policy is a crucial government tool for influencing and managing the national economy and creating a strong incentive for low carbon investment. Previous literature has reputable evidence that improving fiscal policy enhances environmental quality. However, the literature fails to classify the exact turning level (threshold point) below/above which the association may be negative or positive. In this regard, this research investigates the nexus between fiscal policy, foreign direct investment, financial development, trade openness, urban population, gross capital formation, labour force, and CO2 emissions in the era of globalization. The panel data set contained 105 countries over the period from 1990 to 2016. The empirical findings are estimated through linear and nonlinear panel data approaches such as fully modified ordinary least square and panel threshold regression. The subsequent findings are established: first, fiscal policy and globalization significantly increase environmental pollution. Second, the empirical results confirm the existence of the pollution haven hypothesis (PHV). Third, financial development and gross fixed capital formation are also considered some of the most crucial indicators to increase pollution levels. Fourth, trade openness, urban population, and labour force improve environmental quality. Fifth, panel threshold regression discovers that countries maintain a minimum level of fiscal policy at −1.2889. Based on these empirical findings, this study suggests that policymakers and governments of these countries should take steps to restructure their industrial sector and design macroeconomic-level carbon-free policies to support the implementation of low-energy-intensive and lower carbon production technologies.
An Integer Non-Cooperative Game Approach for the Transactive Control of Thermal Appliances in Energy Communities
Authors: Marques Luciana , Uturbey Wadaed , Heleno Miguel
Published: October 2021

Non-cooperative scheduling games can be used to coordinate residential loads in order to achieve a common goal while accounting for individual consumer’s interests, privacy, and autonomy. However, a significant portion of the residential flexibility—Thermostatically Controlled Loads (TCLs) such as water and space heating/cooling appliances—has not been fully addressed under this game theoretic approach: their comfort constraints and integer control were not considered. This paper presents a method for properly including TCLs in this framework and discusses its application in energy communities. Specifically, we propose a general mathematical formulation for considering users’ comfort in non-cooperative games. We model the integer nature of the TCLs control with binary variables and show that optimal or close to optimal (less than 1%) solutions are reached. Moreover, different total cost functions can be used depending on the market context and the objective of the demand management program. To illustrate and discuss these aspects in practical applications, we used a case study of an energy community in Spain. The results show that the TC solutions are optimal or only 0.80% worse than optimal; different total cost functions result in different results (load curve smoothing or peak load reduction); consumers’ comfort is respected; and the proposed game model cooperates with consumers in order to minimize community’s costs.
A Double-Bridge Channel Shape of a Membraneless Microfluidic Fuel Cell
Authors: Oh Ji-Hyun , Tanveer Muhammad , Kim Kwang-Yong
Published: October 2021

A double-bridge shape is proposed as a novel flow channel cross-sectional shape of a membraneless microfluidic fuel cell, and its electrochemical performance was analyzed with a numerical model. A membraneless microfluidic fuel cell (MMFC) is a micro/nano-scale fuel cell with better economic and commercial viability with the elimination of the polymer electrolyte membrane. The numerical model involves the Navier–Stokes, Butler–Volmer, and mass transport equations. The results from the numerical model were validated with the experimental results for a single-bridge channel. The proposed MMFC with double-bridge flow channel shape performed better in comparison to the single-bridge channel shape. A parametric study for the double-bridge channel was performed using three sub-channel widths with the fixed total channel width and the bridge height. The performance of the MMFC varied most significantly with the variation in the width of the inner channel among the sub-channel widths, and the power density increased with this channel width because of the reduced width of the mixing layer in the inner channel. The bridge height significantly affected the performance, and at a bridge height at 90% of the channel height, a higher peak power density of 171%was achieved compared to the reference channel.
A Study on the Power Line Operation Strategy by the Energy Storage System to Ensure Hosting Capacity of Distribution Feeder with Electrical Vehicle Charging Infrastructure
Authors: Kim Byungki , Park Jae-Bum , Kim Dae-Jin
Published: October 2021

The introduction of a complex electrical vehicle charging (EVC) infrastructure consisting of an electrical vehicle (EV) charger and renewable energy source (RES) in the distribution system has been required as an important countermeasure for global environmental issues. However, the problems for hosting capacity and power stability of the distribution feeder can be caused by the penetration of lager scaled RES and EVC infrastructure. Further, it is required for the efficient operation method to prevent congestion and to ensure hosting capacity for the distribution feeder due to the increase of variable RES and EVC infrastructure in the distribution systems. In order to solve these problems, it is necessary to develop a technology which is capable of stably introducing an EVC infrastructure without reinforcing the existing distribution system. Therefore, to maintain the existing hosting capacity of distribution feeder and allowable limits, this paper presents a virtual power line (VPL) operation method using Energy Storage System (ESS) based on the power and voltage stabilization control to ensure hosting capacity of the EVS infrastructure. The proposed operation method is determined by optimal power compensation rate (PCR) and voltage compensation rate (VCR). Specifically, ESS for VPL is controlled according to the charging and discharging mode is operated according to the comparison value of the PCR and VCR. From the test results, it is verified that hosting capacity of the distribution system can be maintained using the proposed control method of ESS for VPL operation.
A Note on the Effects of Yoghurt Acid Whey Marination on the Tenderness and Oxidative Stability of Different Meat Types
Authors: Simitzis Panagiotis , Zikou Fotini , Progoulakis Dionisis , Theodorou Georgios , Politis Ioannis
Published: October 2021

The aim of this preliminary study was to examine the effects of yoghurt acid whey (YAW) marination on quality parameters and the oxidative stability of pork, lamb, rabbit and chicken meat. Twenty-four samples per meat type were randomly allocated to one of four groups: CON, without any treatment; YAW1 and YAW2, where samples were marinated for 20 h at 4 °C at a pH of 5 or 4.5, respectively; and YAW3, where samples were treated as in the YAW2 group except hesperidin was also added at the level of 2 g/L. As indicated, meat tenderness was improved as a result of YAW marination, apart from the chicken samples. In general, values of pH, redness and yellowness were decreased after immersion in YAW both in raw and cooked samples. However, lightness was increased in the raw meat samples as a result of YAW marination, though this effect was not observed in the cooked meat samples with the exception of chicken meat. Chroma values were higher in controls compared to YAW-treated groups in raw pork and lamb meat, while no significant differences regarding chroma were found among groups in cooked lamb and rabbit meat. Hue angle values were greater in YAW-treated groups compared to controls in raw samples, whereas no significant differences among groups were indicated in cooked meat. Meat oxidation rates were not affected by treatment with YAW and the hesperidin addition, which improved the oxidative stability of lamb and chicken meat. Thus, YAW marination could be recommended as a novel strategy that improves meat tenderness without negative effects on the other quality characteristics.
Impact of Different Layer Housing Systems on Eggshell Cuticle Quality and Salmonella Adherence in Table Eggs
Authors: Kulshreshtha Garima , Benavides-Reyes Cristina , Rodriguez-Navarro Alejandro B. , Diep Ty , Hincke Maxwell T.
Published: October 2021

The bacterial load on the eggshell surface is a key factor in predicting the bacterial penetration and contamination of the egg interior. The eggshell cuticle is the first line of defense against vertical penetration by microbial food-borne pathogens such as Salmonella Enteritidis. Egg producers are increasingly introducing alternative caging systems into their production chain as animal welfare concerns become of greater relevance to today’s consumer. Stress that is introduced by hen aggression and modified nesting behavior in furnished cages can alter the physiology of egg formation and affect the cuticle deposition/quality. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of caging systems (conventional, enriched, free-run, and free-range), on eggshell cuticle parameters and the eggshell bacterial load. The cuticle plug thickness and pore length were higher in the free-range eggs as compared to conventional eggs. The eggshells from alternative caging (enriched and free-range) had a higher total cuticle as compared to conventional cages. A reduction in bacterial cell counts was observed on eggshells that were obtained from free-range eggs as compared to the enriched systems. An inverse correlation between the contact angle and Salmonella adherence was observed. These results indicate that the housing systems of layer hens can modify the cuticle quality and thereby impact bacterial adherence and food safety.
Ultrasound Assisted Extraction Approach to Test the Effect of Elastic Rubber Nettings on the N-Nitrosamines Content of Ham Meat Samples
Authors: Giménez-Campillo Claudia , Pastor-Belda Marta , Campillo Natalia , Hernández Juan de Dios , Guillén Isidro , Vizcaíno Pascuala , López-García Ignacio , Hernández-Córdoba Manuel , Arroyo-Manzanares Natalia , Viñas Pilar
Published: October 2021

Nitrosamines (NAs), which are catalogued as carcinogenic compounds, may be present in meat products due to the conversion of nitrites and as result of migration from elastic rubber nettings used. A method based on ultrasonic assisted extraction coupled with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction as sample treatment and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as separation and detection technique was proposed for the determination of twelve NAs in cooked ham samples. The method was validated by evaluating linearity (0.5–1000 ng g−1), matrix effect, sensitivity (detection limits were between 0.15 and 1.4 ng g−1) and precision, which was below 12%. Five NAs were found in the samples with levels ranging from not quantifiable to 40 ng g−1. The effect of the elastic rubber nettings on the nitrosamine content of meat was evaluated by comparing the levels found in products made with several plastics or thread in the presence of additives.
Can Different Forest Structures Lead to Different Levels of Therapeutic Effects? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kim Eunsoo , Park Sujin , Kim Soojin , Choi Yeji , Cho Junghee , Cho Sung-il , Chun Hae-ryoung , Kim Geonwoo
Published: October 2021

In recent decades, forests have expanded from natural resources for conservation and production to health-promoting resources. With the growing body of evidence supporting the therapeutic effects of forests, the number of investigations on the relationship between forest characteristics and therapeutic effects have increased. However, quantitative synthesis of primary studies has rarely been conducted due to a limited number of health studies including forest description and high heterogeneity of forest variables. In this study, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between the forest structure and the therapeutic effect. We systematically searched the studies examining the therapeutic effects of forests with different stand density and canopy density and synthesized the results. As a result of subgroup analysis, we found that stand density modifies the therapeutic effects. Emotional and cognitive restoration showed greatest improvement in low-density forests with a stand density of less than 500/ha and the therapeutic effects diminish as the stand density increases. The impact of canopy density was not found due to a lack of studies reporting canopy density. Although some limitations remain, the findings in this study have great significance in providing the basis for establishing management strategies of forests for therapeutic use.
Virtual Reality Rehabilitation’s Impact on Negative Symptoms and Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Novo André , Fonsêca Jéssica , Barroso Bárbara , Guimarães Manuel , Louro Afonso , Fernandes Hélder , Lopes Rui Pedro , Leitão Paulo
Published: October 2021

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder with symptoms that can severely affect patients’ quality of life. While drug administration inhibits most of the positive symptoms, it fails to effectively treat the negative symptoms and in turn relies on rehabilitation therapies. With technological progress, virtual reality (VR) has been the target of recent studies in terms of mental health rehabilitation and has been shown to be a tool with ecological validity in order to introduce the individual to situations similar to their daily life. Methods: From July to August 2021, we conducted a systematic review with the purpose of understanding the impact of virtual reality rehabilitation on negative symptoms and psychosocial rehabilitation in the schizophrenia spectrum. The searches were performed in the databases Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Results: In our search, we identified 201 results, where 108 duplicates were excluded, resulting in a final balance of 93. After reading and assessing the titles and abstracts, 66 studies were excluded. Of the remaining 27 reports, 23 were excluded for not meeting the previously defined eligibility criteria, resulting in the inclusion of four studies in this systematic review. Conclusions: The available data on the specific topic was limited and could have been more complete. However, in our review, we were able to identify statistically relevant results demonstrating the effectiveness of intervention. We could find medium to large effects, allowing VR to be an ally for rehabilitation of symptoms related to schizophrenia.
Factors Influencing Fatalities or Severe Injuries to Pedestrians Lying on the Road in Japan: Nationwide Police Database Study
Authors: Koh Mirae , Hitosugi Masahito , Kagesawa Eiko , Narikawa Takahiro , Takashima Kohei
Published: October 2021

To help reduce the number of pedestrians lying on the road suffering fatal or severe injuries as a result of vehicle collisions, we investigated the influencing factors. We conducted an analysis of the records of the Institute for Traffic Accident Research and Data Analysis Japan between 2012 and 2018; we found that 2452 pedestrians lying on the road were involved in collisions (797 fatalities, 784 severely injured, 871 mildly injured). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following as major factors that positively influenced the fatalities: head or neck injuries (odds ratio [OR], 90.221); trunk injuries (OR, 71.040); trucks as offending vehicle (OR, 2.741); collision velocity of 10–20 km/h (OR, 31.794), 20–30 km/h (OR, 2.982), 30–40 km/h (OR, 8.394), 40–50 km/h (OR, 16.831), and >50 km/h (OR, 18.639); and hit-and-run cases (OR, 1.967). The following had a positive influence on severe injuries: trunk injuries (OR, 4.060); collision velocity of 10–20 km/h (OR, 2.540), 20–30 km/h (OR, 3.700), 30–40 km/h (OR, 5.297), 40–50 km/h (OR, 5.719), and ≥50 km/h (OR, 5.244); and hit-and-run cases (OR, 2.628). Decreasing the collision velocity, avoiding collisions to the head and neck or trunk, and preventing hit-and-run cases would be effective in reducing fatal or severe injuries to pedestrians lying on the road.
Event-Based Surveillance of Poisonings and Potentially Hazardous Exposures over 12 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Cook Meghan A. , Brooke Nicholas
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has seen people and governments utilise an array of chemical and pharmaceutical substances in an attempt to prevent and treat COVID-19 infections. The Centre for Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards (CRCE) at Public Health England (PHE) routinely undertakes Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) to monitor public health threats and incidents related to chemicals and poisons. From April 2020, EBS functions were expanded to screen international media for potentially hazardous exposures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Media sources reported that poisons centres were experiencing increased enquiries associated with the use and misuse of household cleaners and alcohol-based hand sanitiser (HS). There were also media reports of people self-medicating with over-the-counter supplements and traditional or herbal remedies. Public figures who directly or indirectly facilitated misinformation were sometimes reported to be associated with changes in poisoning trends. Border closures were also believed to have been associated with increasingly toxic illicit drug supplies in Canada, and record numbers of opioid-related deaths were reported. In other countries, where the sale of alcohol was banned or limited, home-brewing and methanol-based supplies resulted in a number of fatalities. At least two chemical incidents also occurred at industrial sites in India, after sites were left unattended or were closed and reopened due to lockdown measures. Reports of poisoning identified in the international media were provided to the UK National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) and contributed to the UK COVID-19 public health response.
Investigation of Critical Geotechnical, Petrological and Mineralogical Parameters for Landslides in Deeply Weathered Dunite Rock (Medellín, Colombia)
Authors: Breuninger Tamara , Menschik Bettina , Demharter Agnes , Gamperl Moritz , Thuro Kurosch
Published: October 2021

The current study site of the project Inform@Risk is located at a landslide prone area at the eastern slopes of the city of Medellín, Colombia, which are composed of the deeply weathered Medellín Dunite, an ultramafic Triassic rock. The dunite rock mass can be characterized by small-scale changes, which influence the landslide exposition to a major extent. Due to the main aim of the project, to establish a low-cost landslide early warning system (EWS) in this area, detailed field studies, drillings, laboratory and mineralogical tests were conducted. The results suggest that the dunite rock mass shows a high degree of serpentinization and is heavily weathered up to 50 m depth. The rock is permeated by pseudokarst, which was already found in other regions of this unit. Within the actual project, a hypothesis has for the first time been established, explaining the generation of the pseudokarst features caused by weathering and dissolution processes. These parameters result in a highly inhomogeneous rock mass and nearly no direct correlation of weathering with depth. In addition, the theory of a secondary, weathering serpentinization was established, explaining the solution weathering creating the pseudokarst structures. This contribution aims to emphasize the role of detailed geological data evaluation in the context of hazard analysis as an indispensable data basis for landslide early warning systems.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Significance and Considerations within the Regulatory Framework of the USA
Authors: Langenbach Blake , Wilson Mark
Published: October 2021

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging environmental crisis. Deemed forever chemicals, many congeners bioaccumulate and are incredibly persistent in the environment due to the presence of the strong carbon-fluorine covalent bonds. Notable PFAS compounds include perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and GenX. Robust toxicological knowledge exists for these substances, but regulatory decisions based on this knowledge has fallen behind. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has addressed this issue with the PFAS Action Plan and EPA Council on PFAS, but the regulatory framework is severely lacking. Currently, no federal regulations or standards exist. Many occupational and non-occupational human cohorts exist that can lend knowledge on the environmental implications of PFAS and associated health effects. Occupationally, firefighters face significant exposure risks due to use of PFAS containing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) and personal protective equipment contamination. Non-occupationally, wastewater discharge in North Carolina led to chronic and widespread residential exposure to GenX via drinking water contamination. This public health review seeks to convey the current and future significance of PFAS as an environmental contaminate, to lend considerations on regulatory frameworks within the USA, and to help guide and promote the need for future epidemiological studies in order to tackle this environmental emergency. While the PFAS Action Plan creates a scientific and regulatory foundation, it is important to take these lessons and apply them to future environmental health issues.
Routes of Administration of Illicit Drugs among Young Swiss Men: Their Prevalence and Associated Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Adverse Outcomes
Authors: Estévez-Lamorte Natalia , Foster Simon , Gmel Gerhard , Mohler-Kuo Meichun
Published: October 2021

The prevalence of different routes of administration (ROAs) of illicit drugs other than cannabis was examined in young Swiss men, in addition to the association between socio-demographics and adverse outcomes and particular ROAs. Our sample consisted of 754 men (mean age = 25.4 ± 1.2 years) who participated in the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors and reported using any of 18 illicit drugs over the last 12 months. Prevalence estimates were calculated for oral use, nasal use, smoking, injecting, and other ROAs. Associations between ROAs and socio-demographics and adverse outcomes (i.e., alcohol use disorder (AUD), suicidal ideations, and health and social consequences) were calculated for using single versus multiple ROAs. The most prevalent ROA was oral use (71.8%), followed by nasal use (59.2%), smoking (22.1%), injecting (1.1%), and other ROAs (1.7%). Subjects’ education, financial autonomy, and civil status were associated with specific ROAs. Smoking was associated with suicidal ideations and adverse health consequences and multiple ROAs with AUD, suicidal ideations, and health and social consequences. The most problematic pattern of drug use among young adults appears to be using multiple ROAs, followed by smoking. Strategies to prevent and reduce the use of such practices are needed to avoid adverse outcomes at this young age.
Estimation of Life Expectancy for Dependent Population in a Multi-State Context
Authors: Albarrán Lozano Irene , Alonso-González Pablo J. , Núñez-Velázquez José Javier
Published: October 2021

Population statistics show that there was an increase in life expectancy during the last century. However, this fact hides that this increase was not equal for all groups of the population. One of the most problematic cases for measuring this increase is that of the dependent population because of the absence of specific statistics. This paper describes a methodology for calculating life expectancy using multistate models that take into account the diversity of situations considered by Spanish legislation. For this purpose, statistical information contained in the national survey on disability and dependency (EDAD 2008) is used. The results suggest that life expectancies are lower than those of the general population and that they differ according to gender and intensity of suffering from this contingency. The calculations were made considering the legal framework currently existing in Spain. This fact conditions the definition of dependent person and, therefore, the set of individuals, their characteristics, and therefore, their final results.
Mental Health Screening of Healthcare Professionals Who Are Candidates for Psychological Assistance during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Serdà Bernat-Carles , Aymerich Maria , Patiño-Masó Josefina , Cunill Mònica
Published: October 2021

Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are among those most affected by the COVID-19 health emergency, with many presenting symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research shows that one of the factors involved in mitigating the impact of stressful situations is the use of cognitive emotional regulation mechanisms. The aims of this study were (a) to describe the functional and dysfunctional cognitive emotional regulation mechanisms (FRMs and DRMs) by gender, (b) to screen the main group of healthcare professionals who are candidates to receive psychological assistance based on FRMs and DRMs, and (c) to determine the HCP profile of candidates for psychological assistance. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Data were obtained from an adhoc questionnaire—the Cognitive Emotional Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ-18), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7), and the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The representative sample comprised 1452 HCPs. The results revealed significant differences between men and women in the use of DRMs. Women showed a higher use of catastrophizing (≤0.001) and rumination (0.008). The screening procedure detected that 7.5% (109 cases) of the HCPs were candidates to receive psychological support. According to the results of this study, age group (30–39 years old), professional activity (being a nurse or nursing assistant), and having psychological symptoms of anxiety and depression are variables that independently increase the probability of requiring psychological assistance. The gender variable was not found to be an independent factor when it comes to receiving psychological support. In conclusion, it is necessary to consider the influence of cognitive emotional regulation strategies employed by HCPs in the screening of candidates for psychological assistance and design effective interventions to reverse the emotional distress caused by COVID-19.
“Be the Dream Queen”: Gender Performativity, Femininity, and Transgender Sex Workers in China
Authors: Tsang Eileen Y. H.
Published: October 2021

An under-researched aspect of transgender sex workers in China pertains to their desires and expressions of femininity. Male-to-Female (MTF) transgender sex workers are a high-risk population prone to depression and stress regarding body image, intimate relationships marked by violence, and social stigma, rendering them vulnerable to hate crimes and discrimination. Ethnographic data from in-depth interviews with 49 MTF transgender sex workers indicate that sex, gender and feminine desire are mutable in the construction of self and subjectivity. This study uses the conceptual framework of gender performativity, that is, gender is performative and distinct from physical bodies and binary classifications. It is not only an individual’s normative gender expressions which are based on the sex assigned at birth, but it also reinforces the normative gender performances of the gender binary. This article argues that the 49 MTF transgender sex workers are embodiments of gendered performances, displaying femininity to ameliorate hate crimes and discrimination as well as reinforce the masculinity and sexuality of their clients and intimate sex partners. Embracing their femininity constitutes a self-help program, enabling them to build self-confidence and develop a positive self-image in the face of overwhelming social disapproval.
Predictors of Changes in Travel Behavior during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Tourists’ Personalities
Authors: Morar Cezar , Tiba Alexandru , Basarin Biljana , Vujičić Miroslav , Valjarević Aleksandar , Niemets Liudmyla , Gessert Alena , Jovanovic Tamara , Drugas Marius , Grama Vasile , Stupariu Marius , Stoica Alina , Lukić Tin
Published: October 2021

This study investigates travel behavior and psychosocial factors that influence it during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a cross-sectional study, using an online survey, we examined changes in travel behavior and preferences after lifting travel restrictions, and how these changes were influenced by exposure to COVID-19, COVID-19 travel-related risk and severity, personality, fear of travel, coping, and self-efficacy appraisals in the Romanian population. Our results showed that participants traveled less in the pandemic year than the year before—especially group and foreign travel—yet more participants reported individual traveling in their home county during the pandemic period. Distinct types of exposure to COVID-19 risk, as well as cognitive and affective factors, were related to travel behavior and preferences. However, fun-seeking personality was the only major predictor of travel intention, while fear of travel was the only predictor of travel avoidance. Instead, people traveled more cautiously when they perceived more risk of infection at the destination, and had higher levels of fear of travel, but also a high sense of efficacy in controlling the infection and problem-solving capacity. The results suggest that specific information about COVID-19, coping mechanisms, fear of travel, and neuropsychological personality traits may affect travel behavior in the pandemic period.
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials in Bracelets and Necklaces: Radiological Risk Evaluation
Authors: Hassan Halmat Jalal , Hashim Suhairul , Abu Hanifah Noor Zati Hani , Ghoshal Sib Krishna , Sanusi Mohamad Syazwan Mohd , Binti Suhailin Fariza Hanim , Abdul Hadi Muhammad Fahmi Rizal , Tahar Rozman Mohd , Bradley David Andrew
Published: October 2021

A particular category of jewelry is one involving bracelets and necklaces that are deliberately made to contain naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM)—purveyors making unsubstantiated claims for health benefits from the release of negative ions. Conversely, within the bounds of the linear no-threshold model, long-term use presents a radiological risk to wearers. Evaluation is conducted herein of the radiological risk arising from wearing these products and gamma-ray spectrometry is used to determine the radioactivity levels and annual effective dose of 15 commercially available bracelets (samples B1 to B15) and five necklaces (samples N16 to N20). Various use scenarios are considered; a Geant4 Monte Carlo (Geant4 MC) simulation is also performed to validate the experimental results. The dose conversion coefficient for external radiation and skin equivalent doses were also evaluated. Among the necklaces, sample N16 showed the greatest levels of radioactivity, at 246 ± 35, 1682 ± 118, and 221 ± 40 Bq, for 238U, 232Th, and 40K, respectively. For the bracelets, for 238U and 232Th, sample B15 displayed the greatest level of radioactivity, at 146 ± 21 and 980 ± 71 Bq, respectively. N16 offered the greatest percentage concentrations of U and Th, with means of 0.073 ± 0.0002% and 1.51 ± 0.0015%, respectively, giving rise to an estimated annual effective dose exposure of 1.22 mSv, substantially in excess of the ICRP recommended limit of 1 mSv/year.
Physical Activity, Screen Time, Sedentary and Sleeping Habits of Polish Preschoolers during the COVID-19 Pandemic and WHO’s Recommendations: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Brzęk Anna , Strauss Markus , Sanchis-Gomar Fabian , Leischik Roman
Published: October 2021

Background: Restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to a significant decrease in physical activity, an increase in sedentary behavior, and thus also such things as screen time or a change in health behavior patterns. The survey aimed to compare levels of physical activity, screen time, hours spent sitting and sleeping time among Polish children aged 3–5 years of age before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We identified 3000 respondents under five years of age, at Polish kindergartens. The questionnaire consists of 62 questions according to the recommendations of health behavior in school-aged children. The questionnaire was completed by the parents of these children. Results: Only 30.77% of children complied with WHO criteria before the pandemic. During the pandemic, the percentage of children meeting the recommendations for physical activity decreased even more. Children spent much more time in a sitting position before the restrictions. The children slept as recommended 10–13 h a day, and the pandemic caused an increase in sleep duration of 10–18%. Most children had a limited time allowed for the use of electronic devices already before the pandemic, but during the pandemic the results negatively decreased by 71.54%. Conclusions: The results clearly indicate decreased physical activity and increased screen time. It is also crucial to develop recommendations for prevention management strategies of sedentary lifestyles in the youngest group.