bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diversity and Distribution of Mid- to Late-Stage Phyllosomata of Spiny and Slipper Lobsters (Decapoda: Achelata) in the Mexican Caribbean
Authors: Muñoz de Cote-Hernández Rubén , Briones-Fourzán Patricia , Barradas-Ortiz Cecilia , Negrete-Soto Fernando , Lozano-Álvarez Enrique
Published: October 2021

Achelata (Palinuridae and Scyllaridae) have a flat, transparent, long-lived planktonic larva called phyllosoma, which comprises multiple stages and has a duration from a few weeks (some scyllarids) to >20 months (some palinurids). The larval development of many Achelata occurs in oceanic waters, where conventional plankton nets usually collect the early- to mid-stages but not the later stages, which remain poorly known. We examined the diversity and distribution of mid- and late-stage phyllosomata in the oceanic waters of the Mexican Caribbean, where the swift Yucatan Current is the dominant feature. The plankton samples were collected at night with a large mid-water trawl in autumn 2012 (55 stations) and spring 2013 (34 stations). In total, we obtained 2599 mid- and late-stage phyllosomata (1742 in autumn, 857 in spring) of five palinurids (Panulirus argus, Panulirus guttatus, Panulirus laevicauda, Palinurellus gundlachi, Justitia longimana) and three scyllarids (Parribacus antarcticus, Scyllarides aequinoctialis, Scyllarus chacei). Overall, the mid-stages were ~2.5 times as abundant as the late stages. The palinurids far outnumbered the scyllarids, and P. argus dominated over all the other species, followed at a distance by P. guttatus. The densities of all the species were generally low, with no clear spatial pattern, and the phyllosomata assemblage composition greatly overlapped between seasons. These results suggest the extensive mixing of the organisms entrained in the strong Yucatan Current, which clearly favors the advection of the phyllosomata in this region despite the presence of some local sub-mesoscale features that may favor short-term retention.
Discovery of Three Novel Cytospora Species in Thailand and Their Antagonistic Potential
Authors: Monkai Jutamart , Tibpromma Saowaluck , Manowong Areerat , Mapook Ausana , Norphanphoun Chada , Hyde Kevin D. , Promputtha Itthayakorn
Published: October 2021

During an ongoing research survey of saprobic fungi in Thailand, four coelomycetous strains were isolated from decaying leaves in Chiang Mai and Phitsanulok Provinces. Morphological characteristics demonstrated that these taxa are typical of Cytospora in forming multi-loculate, entostromatic conidiomata, branched or unbranched conidiophores, with enteroblastic, phialidic conidiogenous cells and hyaline, allantoid, aseptate conidia. Multiloci phylogeny of ITS, LSU, ACT, RPB2, TEF1-α and TUB2 confirmed these taxa are distinct new species in Cytospora in Cytosporaceae (Diaporthales, Sordariomycetes), viz., Cytospora chiangmaiensis, C. phitsanulokensis and C. shoreae. Cytospora chiangmaiensis has a close phylogenetic relationship with C. shoreae, while C. phitsanulokensis is sister to C. acaciae. These three novel species were also preliminary screened for their antagonistic activity against five plant pathogenic fungi: Colletotrichumfructicola, Co. siamense, Co. artocarpicola, Co. viniferum and Fusarium sambucinum. Cytospora shoreae and C. phitsanulokensis showed >60% inhibition against Co. viniferum and F. sambucinum, while C. chiangmaiensis had moderate inhibition activity against all pathogens.
Reliable Diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2 Infections Using One- and Two-Gene Molecular Tests for a Viral RNA Detection—Results Questioning Previous Observations
Authors: Bogiel Tomasz , Rzepka Mateusz , Depka Dagmara
Published: October 2021

SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus from the Coronaviridae family and its rapid spread is now the most important medical problem worldwide. Currently used tests vary in the number and selection of SARS-CoV-2 target genes. Meanwhile, the choice of the appropriate target gene may be important in terms of a reliable detection of a viral RNA. As some researchers questioned the sensitivity of the monogenic VIASURE SARS-CoV-2 S gene Real Time PCR Detection Kit (CerTest Biotec, Zaragoza, Spain) in mid-2020, the aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of this kit, used along with the BD MAX™ System (Becton Dickinson, East Rutherford, NJ, USA), and compare the results with two-gene Bosphore Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Detection Kit v1 (Anatolia Diagnostics and Biotechnology Products Inc., Istanbul, Turkey). Both tests were carried out on 306 nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs. The consistent results (72 positive and 225 negative results found simultaneously in both kits) were obtained for 297 (97.1%) samples altogether, while discrepancies between the results of the evaluated tests were observed for nine (2.9%) specimens. There were no statistically significant differences between the method used and the frequency of positive results. Both tests, targeted at detecting one and two genes, are effective in SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection.
Fractional Order Adaptive Fast Super-Twisting Sliding Mode Control for Steer-by-Wire Vehicles with Time-Delay Estimation
Authors: Yang Yong , Yan Yunbing , Xu Xiaowei
Published: October 2021

It is difficult to model and determine the parameters of the steer-by-wire (SBW) system accurately, and the perturbation is variable with complex and changeable tire–road conditions. In order to improve the control performance of the vehicle SBW system, an adaptive fast super-twisting sliding mode control (AFST-SMC) scheme with time-delay estimation (TDE) is proposed. The proposed scheme uses TDE to acquire the lumped dynamics in a simple way and establishes a practical model-free structure. Then, a fractional order (FO) sliding mode surface and a fast super-twisting sliding mode control structure were designed on the basic super-twisting sliding mode to ensure fast convergence and high control accuracy. Since the uncertain boundary information of the actual system is unknown, a novel adaptive algorithm is proposed to regulate the control gain based on the control errors. Theoretical analysis concerning system stability is given based on the Lyapunov theory. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is verified through comparative experiments. The results show that the proposed TDE-AFST-FOSMC control scheme has the advantages of model-free, fast response and high accuracy.
Feedback Linearization and Maximum Torque per Ampere Control Methods of Cup Rotor Permanent-Magnet Doubly Fed Machine
Authors: Shi Jianning , Xia Chaoying
Published: October 2021

This paper establishes the state-space model of the cup rotor permanent-magnet doubly fed machine in the synchronous reference frame. The feedback-linearization control method is used to realize the decoupling control of flux and torque. Then, the upper and lower load torque boundaries are solved. Furthermore, to minimize the stator current magnitude of the control machine under a certain torque, the maximum torque per ampere (MTPA) control is derived. Finally, simulation results demonstrate the good decoupling performance of the feedback-linearization control method and the correctness of the load torque boundaries. In addition, the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed control methods are also demonstrated.
Biotransformation of Flavonoids Improves Antimicrobial and Anti-Breast Cancer Activities In Vitro
Authors: Hao Yanpeng , Wei Zuchen , Wang Zhi , Li Guiying , Yao Yang , Dun Baoqing
Published: October 2021

Coarse cereals are rich in flavonoids, which are bioactive substances with a wide range of functions. Biotransformation is considered an emerging approach to methylate flavonoids, displaying prominent regio- and stereoselectivity. In the current study, liquiritigenin, naringenin, and hesperidin flavonoids were biotransformed using O-methyltransferases that were heterologously expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae BJ5464-NpgA. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used together with high-resolution mass spectroscopy analysis to determine the structures of the resulting methylated transformants, and their antimicrobial and antiproliferation activities were also characterized. Among the five methylated flavonoids obtained, 7-methoxy-liquiritigenin had the strongest inhibitory effect on Candida albicans SC5314 (C. albicans SC5314), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538 (S. aureus ATCC6538), and Escherichia coli ATCC25922 (E. coli ATCC25922), which increased 7.65-, 1.49-, and 0.54-fold in comparison to the values of their unmethylated counterparts at 200, 250, and 400 μM, respectively. The results suggest that 3′-methoxyhesperetin showed the best antiproliferative activity against MCF-7 cells with IC50 values of 10.45 ± 0.45 µM, which was an increase of more than 14.35-fold compared to that of hesperetin. These results indicate that methylation enhances the antimicrobial activities and antiproliferative effects of flavonoids. The current study provides an experimental basis for further research on flavonoids as well as flavonoid-containing crops in the development of antimicrobial and anti-breast cancer drugs in addition to supplementary and health foods. The biotransformation method is ideal, as it represents a means for the sustainable production of bioactive flavonoids.
Multiunit In Vitro Colon Model for the Evaluation of Prebiotic Potential of a Fiber Plus D-Limonene Food Supplement
Authors: Nissen Lorenzo , Valerii Maria Chiara , Spisni Enzo , Casciano Flavia , Gianotti Andrea
Published: October 2021

The search for new fiber supplements that can claim to be “prebiotic” is expanding fast, as the role of prebiotics and intestinal microbiota in well-being has been well established. This work explored the prebiotic potential of a novel fiber plus D-Limonene supplement (FLS) in comparison to fructooligosaccharides (FOS) over distal colonic fermentation with the in vitro model MICODE (multi-unit in vitro colon gut model). During fermentation, volatilome characterization and core microbiota quantifications were performed, then correlations among volatiles and microbes were interpreted. The results indicated that FLS generated positive effects on the host gut model, determining: (i) eubiosis; (ii) increased abundance of beneficial bacteria, as Bifidobacteriaceae; (iii) production of beneficial compounds, as n-Decanoic acid; (iv) reduction in detrimental bacteria, as Enterobaceteriaceae; (v) reduction in detrimental compounds, as skatole. The approach that we followed permitted us to describe the prebiotic potential of FLS and its ability to steadily maintain the metabolism of colon microbiota over time. This aspect is two-faced and should be investigated further because if a fast microbial turnover and production of beneficial compounds is a hallmark of a prebiotic, the ability to reduce microbiota changes and to reduce imbalances in the productions of microbial metabolites could be an added value to FLS. In fact, it has been recently demonstrated that these aspects could serve as an adjuvant in metabolic disorders and cognitive decline.
Novel Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Water-Soluble Polysaccharides from Jasmine Tea
Authors: Tang Yayuan , Sheng Jinfeng , He Xuemei , Sun Jian , Wei Zhen , Liu Guoming , Li Changbao , Lin Bo , Li Li
Published: October 2021

There have been few studies dealing with chemical elucidation and pharmacological potentials of water-soluble polysaccharides from jasmine tea, limiting their use in functional foods. In this study, water-soluble polysaccharides (named as JSP) were extracted from Jasminum sambac (L.) Aiton tea and fractionated to afford two sub-fractions (JSP-1 and JSP-2). The main structural characteristics of novel JSP sub-fractions were determined by high performance gel permeation chromatography, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared, and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. Physiologically, the abilities of JSP-1 and JSP-2 to reduce ferric ions, scavenge DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, as well as protect islet cells were confirmed in vitro. JSP-1 exhibited better antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities than JSP-2. The molecular weights of JSP-1 and JSP-2 were 18.4 kDa and 14.1 kDa, respectively. JSP-1 was made up of glucose, galactose, rhamnose, xylose, arabinose, and galacturonic acid with molar ratios 1.14:4.69:1.00:9.92:13.79:4.09, whereas JSP-2 with a triple helical structure was composed of galactose, rhamnose, xylose, arabinose, and galacturonic acid as 3.80:1.00:8.27:11.85:5.05 of molar ratios. JSP-1 contains →1)-α-Galƒ-(3→, →1)-α-Galƒ-(2→, →1)-α-Araƒ-(5→, →1)-α-Araƒ-(3→, →1)-α-Araƒ-(3,5→, →1)-β-Xylp-(2→ and →1)-β-Xylp-(3→ residues in the backbone. These results open up new pharmacological prospects for the water-soluble polysaccharides extracted from jasmine tea.
Caring for the Patient with Severe or Very Severe Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Montoya Jose , Dowell Theresa , Mooney Amy , Dimmock Mary , Chu Lily
Published: October 2021

Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) can cause a wide range of severity and functional impairment, leaving some patients able to work while others are homebound or bedbound. The most severely ill patients may need total care. Yet, patients with severe or very severe ME/CFS struggle to receive appropriate medical care because they cannot travel to doctors’ offices and their doctors lack accurate information about the nature of this disease and how to diagnose and manage it. Recently published clinical guidance provides updated information about ME/CFS but advice on caring for the severely ill is limited. This article is intended to fill that gap. Based on published clinical guidance and clinical experience, we describe the clinical presentation of severe ME/CFS and provide patient-centered recommendations on diagnosis, assessment and approaches to treatment and management. We also provide suggestions to support the busy provider in caring for these patients by leveraging partnerships with the patient, their caregivers, and other providers and by using technology such as telemedicine. Combined with compassion, humility, and respect for the patient’s experience, such approaches can enable the primary care provider and other healthcare professionals to provide the care these patients require and deserve.
Identifying Children at Readmission Risk: At-Admission versus Traditional At-Discharge Readmission Prediction Model
Authors: Symum Hasan , Zayas-Castro José
Published: October 2021

The timing of 30-day pediatric readmissions is skewed with approximately 40% of the incidents occurring within the first week of hospital discharges. The skewed readmission time distribution coupled with delay in health information exchange among healthcare providers might offer a limited time to devise a comprehensive intervention plan. However, pediatric readmission studies are thus far limited to the development of the prediction model after hospital discharges. In this study, we proposed a novel pediatric readmission prediction model at the time of hospital admission which can improve the high-risk patient selection process. We also compared proposed models with the standard at-discharge readmission prediction model. Using the Hospital Cost and Utilization Project database, this prognostic study included pediatric hospital discharges in Florida from January 2016 through September 2017. Four machine learning algorithms—logistic regression with backward stepwise selection, decision tree, Support Vector machines (SVM) with the polynomial kernel, and Gradient Boosting—were developed for at-admission and at-discharge models using a recursive feature elimination technique with a repeated cross-validation process. The performance of the at-admission and at-discharge model was measured by the area under the curve. The performance of the at-admission model was comparable with the at-discharge model for all four algorithms. SVM with Polynomial Kernel algorithms outperformed all other algorithms for at-admission and at-discharge models. Important features associated with increased readmission risk varied widely across the type of prediction model and were mostly related to patients’ demographics, social determinates, clinical factors, and hospital characteristics. Proposed at-admission readmission risk decision support model could help hospitals and providers with additional time for intervention planning, particularly for those targeting social determinants of children’s overall health.
Hospitals’ Cybersecurity Culture during the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Georgiadou Anna , Michalitsi-Psarrou Ariadni , Gioulekas Fotios , Stamatiadis Evangelos , Tzikas Athanasios , Gounaris Konstantinos , Doukas Georgios , Ntanos Christos , Landeiro Ribeiro Luís , Askounis Dimitris
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus pandemic led to an unprecedented crisis affecting all aspects of the concurrent reality. Its consequences vary from political and societal to technical and economic. These side effects provided fertile ground for a noticeable cyber-crime increase targeting critical infrastructures and, more specifically, the health sector; the domain suffering the most during the pandemic. This paper aims to assess the cybersecurity culture readiness of hospitals’ workforce during the COVID-19 crisis. Towards that end, a cybersecurity awareness webinar was held in December 2020 targeting Greek Healthcare Institutions. Concepts of cybersecurity policies, standards, best practices, and solutions were addressed. Its effectiveness was evaluated via a two-step procedure. Firstly, an anonymous questionnaire was distributed at the end of the webinar and voluntarily answered by attendees to assess the comprehension level of the presented cybersecurity aspects. Secondly, a post-evaluation phishing campaign was conducted approximately four months after the webinar, addressing non-medical employees. The main goal was to identify security awareness weaknesses and assist in drafting targeted assessment campaigns specifically tailored to the health domain needs. This paper analyses in detail the results of the aforementioned approaches while also outlining the lessons learned along with the future scientific routes deriving from this research.
Pennsylvania State University Statewide Cultivar Evaluation Program Model
Authors: Sánchez Elsa S. , Butzler Thomas M. , Elkner Timothy E. , Pollock Robert , Di Gioia Francesco
Published: October 2021

Cultivar selection is an important managerial task for commercial farmers. Numerous available options provide marketing opportunities for farmers; however, they can also make cultivar selection time-consuming. For the past 13 years, a team of Penn State Extension educators and university faculty has implemented a new model to evaluate cultivars for key vegetable crops to assist farmers. Our approach started by building relationships within the vegetable industry with farmers, seed company representatives, and farmer-driven organizations who support our program with funding and gift-in-kind donations. We also added rigor to cultivar evaluations by conducting trials of key vegetable crops over 2 years at three locations. The results were used to develop cultivar recommendations, which were disseminated through various face-to-face and distance Extension avenues. The results were also published in refereed journals. The combination of funding, Extension products, and refereed articles led to university support. A drawback to our approach was the difficulty implementing uniform production methods at three experimental sites. The input of a statistical consultant assisted with overcoming this drawback. This model also required the use of strategies common to successful teams. Our methods are described here for those who desire to build a similar program.
Environment in Children’s Health: A New Challenge for Risk Assessment
Authors: Mastorci Francesca , Linzalone Nunzia , Ait-Ali Lamia , Pingitore Alessandro
Published: October 2021

In the last few years, many studies have focused on the effects of environmental contaminant exposure during the prenatal period or infancy as predictors of health outcomes in the future. In these time windows, due to their rapid growth, and physiologic and metabolic development, we can observe a higher vulnerability to the effects of environment, with respect to adulthood. The evidence of possible influences, partly mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, involve neurobehavioral responses and immune, endocrine, and respiratory systems, acting directly on the child or indirectly when mediated by placental transfer or breast feeding. In particular, due to a greater intake of air, food, and fluids relative to body weight, crawling behaviors and short stature, the risk of excessive exposure is greater in children. However, data on the long-term implications of early exposures are scarce. Additionally, so that physicians and institutions for child care and assistance of pregnant women can take actions to counteract the effects of chemical pollution (i.e., by educational opportunities), a risk assessment perspective that responds to the biocomplexity of the human being is needed. The present paper provides an overview of physiologic and behavioral characteristics during the perinatal period and in childhood, suggesting in a more integrated way, the need of a new risk-assessment approach to managing chronic disease in pediatric patients.
Setting-Sensitive Conceptualization and Assessment of Quality of Life in Telemedical Care—Study Protocol of the Tele-QoL Project
Authors: Greffin Klara , Muehlan Holger , van den Berg Neeltje , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Ritter Oliver , Oeff Michael , Schomerus Georg , Schmidt Silke
Published: October 2021

Quality of life (QoL) is a core patient-reported outcome in healthcare research, alongside primary clinical outcomes. A conceptual, operational, and psychometric elaboration of QoL in the context of TM is needed, because standardized instruments to assess QoL do not sufficiently represent essential aspects of intended outcomes of telemedical applications (TM). The overall aim is to develop an instrument that can adequately capture QoL in TM. For that purpose, an extended working model of QoL will be derived. Subsequently, an instrument will be developed and validated that captures those aspects of QoL that are influenced by TM. The initial exploratory study section includes (a) a systematic literature review, (b) a qualitative survey for concept elicitation, and (c) pre-testings using cognitive debriefings with patients and an expert workshop. The second quantitative section consists of an online expert survey and two patient surveys for piloting and validation of the newly developed instrument. The resulting questionnaire will assess central experiences of patients regarding telemedical applications and its impact on QoL more sensitively. Its use as adjunct instrument will lead to a more appropriate evaluation of TM and contribute to the improvement of care tailored to patients’ individual needs.
Implications of the Online Teaching Model Derived from the COVID-19 Lockdown Situation for Anxiety and Executive Functioning in Spanish Children and Adolescents
Authors: Lavigne-Cervan Rocío , Costa-López Borja , Juárez-Ruiz de Mier Rocío , Sánchez-Muñoz de León Marta , Real-Fernández Marta , Navarro-Soria Ignasi
Published: October 2021

Given the seriousness of the existing situation regarding the mental health of children and adolescents relating to the confinement period imposed due to COVID-19, we conducted this study to describe the effects of the confinement on state anxiety and executive functioning dimensions in a period of online educational modality. A sample of 953 children and adolescents was assessed. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the State Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), and the Behavioral Evaluation of Executive Function (BRIEF-2) scale were applied. The analysis of the results indicates that 68.8% of children and adolescents presented medium–high levels of anxiety. Regarding sex, females showed higher levels of anxiety and worse levels of executive functioning. Although the group aged 11 to 18 years showed methodologically higher state anxiety (p = 0.041) than the group aged 6 to 10 years, the difference was not clinically relevant (δ = −0.113). The state anxiety variable was also correlated positively and significantly to the three executive functioning dimensions explored. In conclusion, it seems evident that COVID-19 lockdowns could have psychological and emotional effects on children and adolescents.
Sexual Abuse vs. Sexual Freedom? A Legal Approach to the Age of Sexual Consent in Adolescents in Spanish-Speaking Countries
Authors: Parra-Barrera Sandra M. , Sánchez-Fuentes María del Mar , Fuertes-Iglesias Carlos , Boldova Miguel Ángel
Published: October 2021

Child and adolescent sexual abuse (CSA) is an international public health problem. Despite the importance of CSA, there is no consensus definition, and the lack of consensus is related to difficulties in conducting prevalence studies as well as research in other areas. To establish a consensual definition, legal aspects such as the age of sexual consent and the difference in age or power between victim and aggressor as well as aspects related to sexual freedom and sexual indemnity must be considered. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to analyze the age of sexual consent in the legal systems of Spanish-speaking countries and to examine whether the Romeo and Juliet clause is established. To achieve the proposed aims, we employed the legal interpretation method, and we analyzed the current Criminal Codes of the 21 Spanish-speaking countries. From the results, it is found that the age of sexual consent varies between countries, establishing valid sexual consent between 13 and 18 years. In addition, only six countries have the Romeo and Juliet clause that protects sexual freedom in adolescents. Finally, we discussed the lack of consensus on the age of sexual consent and the limitations presented by the Romeo and Juliet clause.
Consequences of the COVID-19 Lockdown in Germany: Effects of Changes in Daily Life on Musical Engagement and Functions of Music
Authors: Roese Natalie Alexa , Merrill Julia
Published: October 2021

The current study investigated how music has been used during the COVID-19 pandemic and how personal factors have affected music-listening behavior. During the shutdown in Spring 2020 in Germany, 539 participants took part in an online survey reporting on functions of music listening, attributes of listened music, and active engagement with music, retrospectively before and during the pandemic. Next to these implicit questions, participants were asked to describe the changes they explicitly noticed in handling music during COVID-19, their current worries, and their new everyday life during the pandemic as well as personality traits and stress reactivity. A logistic regression model was fitted, showing that people reduced their active engagement with music during the lockdown, and the function of killing time and overcoming loneliness became more important, reflecting the need for distraction and filling the silence. Before the lockdown, music was listened to for the function of motor synchronization and enhanced well-being, which reflects how people have lost both their musical and activity routines during the lockdown. The importance of in-person engagement with music in people’s lives became particularly evident in the connection between worries about further restrictions and the need for live music.
Analysis of Burnout Syndrome and Resilience in Nurses throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rivas Noel , López María , Castro María-José , Luis-Vian Sofía , Fernández-Castro Mercedes , Cao María-José , García Sara , Velasco-Gonzalez Veronica , Jiménez José-María
Published: October 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the occurrence of work-related stress on nursing staff. Being resilience an essential element to countering adversity. The aim of the study was to assess burnout syndrome as well as resilience in hospital-care nurses during the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of burnout syndrome and resilience of 101 nurses during the first COVID-19 outbreak. The Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Scale of Resilience of Connor-Davidson were used. Results: The burnout average score was 74.35 ± 12.78 points, and resilience was 27.94 ± 5.84. Temporary nurses reached a lower average score for the emotional fatigue dimension (23.80 ± 10.39 points) p < 0.05. The emotional fatigue dimension correlated adversely with the average score of resilience (r = −0.271; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The level of burnout in nurses was high, being higher on those who took care of COVID-19 patients. Resilient nurses were able to better cope with stressful situations.
Monitoring Solar Radiation UV Exposure in the Comoros
Authors: Lamy Kévin , Ranaivombola Marion , Bencherif Hassan , Portafaix Thierry , Toihir Mohamed , Lakkala Kaisa , Arola Antti , Kujanpää Jukka , Pitkänen Mikko , Cadet Jean-Maurice
Published: October 2021

As part of the UV-Indien project, a station for measuring ultraviolet radiation and the cloud fraction was installed in December 2019 in Moroni, the capital of the Comoros, situated on the west coast of the island of Ngazidja. A ground measurement campaign was also carried out on 12 January 2020 during the ascent of Mount Karthala, located in the center of the island of Ngazidja. In addition, satellite estimates (Ozone Monitoring Instrument and TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument) and model outputs (Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service and Tropospheric Ultraviolet Model) were combined for this same region. On the one hand, these different measurements and estimates make it possible to quantify, evaluate, and monitor the health risk linked to exposure to ultraviolet radiation in this region, and, on the other, they help to understand how cloud cover influences the variability of UV-radiation on the ground. The measurements of the Ozone Monitoring Instrument onboard the EOS-AURA satellite, being the longest timeseries of ultraviolet measurements available in this region, make it possible to quantify the meteorological conditions in Moroni and to show that more than 80% of the ultraviolet indices are classified as high and that 60% of these are classified as extreme. The cloud cover measured in Moroni by an All Sky Camera was used to distinguish between the cases of UV index measurements taken under clear or cloudy sky conditions. The ground-based measurements thus made it possible to describe the variability of the diurnal cycle of the UV index and the influence of cloud cover on this parameter. They also permitted the satellite measurements and the results of the simulations to be validated. In clear sky conditions, a relative difference of between 6 and 11% was obtained between satellite or model estimates and ground measurements. The ultraviolet index measurement campaign on Mount Karthala showed maximum one-minute standard erythemal doses at 0.3 SED and very high daily cumulative erythemal doses at more than 80 SED. These very high levels are also observed throughout the year and all skin phototypes can exceed the daily erythemal dose threshold at more than 20 SED.
NoFumo+: A Clinical Trial of an mHealth for Smoking Cessation with Hospitalized Patients
Authors: García-Pazo Patricia , Sesé Albert , Llabrés Jordi , Fornés-Vives Joana
Published: October 2021

Smartphone applications (apps) improve accessibility to smoking cessation treatments. The NoFumo+ app administers a cognitive behavioral therapy program for smoking cessation. This study evaluates the efficacy of NoFumo+ for quitting smoking or reducing cigarette consumption versus the usual information-based treatment. A clinical trial was conducted with 99 hospitalized smokers, 54 pseudo-randomly assigned to the app treatment and 45 to the usual treatment. The two groups had homogeneous baseline characteristics to ensure comparability. Abstinence was evaluated at post-treatment (two months) and at a six-month follow-up. The results obtained indicate that participants who receive the usual treatment are 5.40 times more likely to continue smoking than those who undergo the app treatment (95% CI = [1.35; 20.15]). Participants who do not succeed in quitting smoking with the app manage to decrease their habitual consumption. Users who successfully complete treatment with NoFumo+ access all its contents and use the chat, but without requesting professional support. There is not enough empirical evidence to attribute this success to any specific element of the app. NoFumo+ achieves better abstinence rates than the usual information-based treatments, and the goal of generalizing its use to the non-hospitalized smoking population may be achievable in the future.
Association between Having Cancer and Psychological Distress among Family Caregivers Using Three Years of a Nationwide Survey Data in Japan
Authors: Morales Aliaga María Lisseth , Ito Tomoko , Sugiyama Takehiro , Bolt Timothy , Tamiya Nanako
Published: October 2021

We aimed to describe the characteristics of caregivers with cancer compared to those without and analyze the association between having cancer and caregivers’ psychological distress in Japan. We used data from the Japanese Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions in 2010, 2013, and 2016. The participants were 5258 family caregivers aged ≥40 years, caring for only one family member whose information in the dataset was available for all the covariates included in the model. The family caregivers’ psychological distress was defined by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) score (K6 ≥ 5). We conducted a Poisson regression analysis to examine the association between having cancer and family caregivers’ distress. The sample of family caregivers consisted of mostly females (69.3%) and people within the 40–64 years age group (51.8%). As a result, family caregivers with cancer increased across the survey periods; a higher number of participants were unemployed. When adjusted for covariates, including the presence of other diseases, having cancer was significantly associated with distress (risk ratio 1.33, 95% confidence interval 1.05–1.69) among family caregivers. Family caregivers with cancer are expected to increase in the future; it is important to provide them with more support in managing both their treatment and caregiving to cope with their distress.
Area-Level Determinants in Colorectal Cancer Spatial Clustering Studies: A Systematic Review
Authors: Soffian Sharifah Saffinas Syed , Nawi Azmawati Mohammed , Hod Rozita , Chan Huan-Keat , Hassan Muhammad Radzi Abu
Published: October 2021

The increasing pattern of colorectal cancer (CRC) in specific geographic region, compounded by interaction of multifactorial determinants, showed the tendency to cluster. The review aimed to identify and synthesize available evidence on clustering patterns of CRC incidence, specifically related to the associated determinants. Articles were systematically searched from four databases, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and EBSCOHost. The approach for identification of the final articles follows PRISMA guidelines. Selected full-text articles were published between 2016 and 2021 of English language and spatial studies focusing on CRC cluster identification. Articles of systematic reviews, conference proceedings, book chapters, and reports were excluded. Of the final 12 articles, data on the spatial statistics used and associated factors were extracted. Identified factors linked with CRC cluster were further classified into ecology (health care accessibility, urbanicity, dirty streets, tree coverage), biology (age, sex, ethnicity, overweight and obesity, daily consumption of milk and fruit), and social determinants (median income level, smoking status, health cost, employment status, housing violations, and domestic violence). Future spatial studies that incorporate physical environment related to CRC cluster and the potential interaction between the ecology, biology and social determinants are warranted to provide more insights to the complex mechanism of CRC cluster pattern.
The Relationship between Ageism and Well-Being as Mediated through COVID-19-Related Experiences and Discourses
Authors: Hopf Stefan , Walsh Kieran , Flynn Eilionóir , Georgantzi Nena
Published: October 2021

Both COVID-19 and ageism can have a negative impact on the well-being of older people. Yet, our knowledge on the links between COVID-19, ageism and well-being is still emerging. The present study aimed to contribute to this knowledge by exploring the lived experiences of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so, we analyzed older persons’ subjective experiences and perceptions of ageism arising from COVID-19-related policies and discourses in two country contexts—Austria and Ireland—and the implications of these experiences for personal well-being. Based on the thematic analysis of 27 interviews with older adults, we found that participants perceived and encountered a discriminatory homogeneous representation of older people as a group. Three specific forms of this homogenization, namely stigmatization, paternalism, and scapegoating, were identified as impact on well-being. Moreover, our analysis showed how these forms of ageism challenge both the individual and social identities of older people, revealing older participants’ different attitudes in responding to this challenge. With reference to the international research literature, we discussed the impact of these experiences on the well-being of older people and the possible legal and socio-political implications of our findings.
Factors Associated with the Work Engagement of Employees Working from Home during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan
Authors: Amano Hoichi , Fukuda Yoshiharu , Shibuya Katsuhiko , Ozaki Akihiko , Tabuchi Takahiro
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to identify factors influencing the work engagement of employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Employees’ work engagement was examined using the following survey questions: “Do you feel energized when you are at work? (yes or no)” and “Do you take pride in your work? (yes or no)” After adjusting for potential confounders, Poisson regression was used to examine prevalence ratio and 95% confidence intervals for employees’ work engagement. We analyzed 15,670 individuals (11,894 of whom did not work from home and 3776 of whom worked from home). Their mean age was 45.6 ± 13.8 years, and 58.3% were men. Those who worked from home were younger than those who did not (43.9 ± 13.1 vs. 46.1 ± 13.9, p < 0.001). About 44% of all employees reported high work engagement. Among the employees who worked from home, an increase in sleep hours, effective interactions with supervisors, and working hours of ≤40 h/week were associated with engagement. Sensitivity analysis showed similar results. Close communication with superiors, refraining from working long hours, and obtaining adequate sleep may boost the work engagement of employees working from home.
Open Data Resources on COVID-19 in Six European Countries: Issues and Opportunities
Authors: Pecoraro Fabrizio , Luzi Daniela
Published: October 2021

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, national and international authorities started to develop and update datasets to provide data to researchers, journalists and health care providers as well as public opinion. These data became one of the most important sources of information, which are updated daily and analysed by scientists in order to investigate and predict the spread of this epidemic. Despite this positive reaction from both national and international authorities in providing aggregated information on the diffusion of COVID-19, different challenges have been underlined in previously published studies. Different papers have discussed strengths and weaknesses of these types of datasets by focusing on different quality perspectives, which include the statistical methods adopted to analyse them; the lack of standards and models in the adoption of data for their management and distribution; and the analysis of different data quality characteristics. These studies have analysed datasets at the general level or by focusing the attention on specific indicators such as the number of cases or deaths. This paper further investigates issues and opportunities in the diffusion of these datasets under two main perspectives. At the general level, it analyses how data are organized and distributed to scientific and non-scientific communities. Moreover, it further explores the indicators adopted to describe the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic while also highlighting the level of detail used to describe them in terms of gender, age ranges and territorial units. The paper focuses on six European countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and UK.
Who Is Doing What in Home Care Services?
Authors: Helgheim Berit Irene , Sandbaek Birgithe
Published: October 2021

(1) Background: This paper investigates the distribution of work hours by activity, for the main staff categories in home care services in three rural Norwegian municipalities. In Norway these categories are registered nurses, assistant nurses and assistant health workers. (2) Methods: The three categories of home care staff recorded 20,964 eligible observations over 8 weeks. We identified 19 activities, which were recorded. The majority of staff used a smartphone application for the time measuring, while some staff used a manual form for reporting purposes. (3) Results: The registered nurses (RNs) spent 32% of their time on direct patient work, while driving accounted for 18%. Direct patient work and driving accounted for the majority of activities performed by assistant nurses (48% and 29%, respectively) and assistant health workers (70% and 17%, respectively). (4) Conclusions: The demand for home care services is increasing in terms of both size and complexity. Simultaneously, there is a growing shortage of skilled staff. RNs is the group with the least face-to-face time with patients. To meet the patients’ needs, it is necessary to discuss and modify existing home care service systems in order to use resources appropriately and effectively.
Limonene Emissions: Do Different Types Have Different Biological Effects?
Authors: Nematollahi Neda , Ross Perran A. , Hoffmann Ary A. , Kolev Spas D. , Steinemann Anne
Published: October 2021

Limonene is one of the most abundant pollutants indoors, and it contributes to the formation of additional pollutants, such as formaldehyde and photochemical smog. Limonene is commonly used in fragranced consumer products, such as cleaning supplies and air fresheners, which have also been associated with health problems. Limonene can exist in different enantiomeric forms (R-limonene and S-limonene) and be derived from different sources. However, little is known about whether different forms and sources of limonene may have different effects. This research explored whether different types of limonene, at the same concentrations, could elicit different biological effects. To investigate this question, the study employed Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which have sophisticated olfactory abilities, in olfactometer tests of repellency/attraction. The results indicate that a synthetic source of R-limonene is more repellent than a natural source of R-limonene. In addition, synthetic sources of both R-limonene and S-limonene are not significantly different in repellency. These findings can contribute to our understanding and further exploration of the effects of a common fragrance compound on air quality and health.
Learning Difficulties and Loneliness in College and Beyond: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy, Proactive Coping, and Hope
Authors: Icekson Tamar , Begerano Oranit Davidson , Levinson Michal , Savariego Jenny , Margalit Malka
Published: October 2021

Following the conservation of resources, social-cognitive and hope theories, the goals of this study were to identify the role of self-efficacy, proactive coping, and hope as mediators in the relations between learning difficulties and loneliness distress. A questionnaire was sent to current and past students. The sample consisted of 498 participants. The results demonstrated that individuals with learning difficulties reported higher levels of loneliness compared with individuals without learning difficulties. Moreover, self-efficacy, proactive coping, and hope mediated the relations between levels of learning difficulties and loneliness. Specifically, the final model emphasized the important role of hopeful beliefs, since hope mediated the relations between learning difficulties, self-efficacy, and proactive coping with loneliness. In terms of practical implications, professionals’ awareness as well as psychoeducational programs could be tailor-made to enhance hopeful beliefs and reduce loneliness.
Criminal Behavior and Psychosocial Risk Factors in Brazilian Adolescent Offenders: An Exploratory Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Galinari Lais Sette , Bazon Marina Rezende
Published: October 2021

Considering that adolescent offenders are quite a heterogeneous group in terms of behavioral and psychosocial variables, it is considered that a typological approach can assist in the systematization of these differences, aiming at a better understanding of the phenomenon and at clearer guidance in terms of interventions. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the behavioral and psychosocial profiles of male adolescent offenders, based on empirical data collected in a Brazilian sociocultural context. The profiles were made with a sample of 400 adolescent offenders to perform an exploratory latent classes analysis. The instruments used in data collection were the Youth Behavior Questionnaire (Questionário de Comportamentos Juvenis, QCJ) and the Brazilian Jesness Inventory—Revised (Inventário Jesness-Revisado-Brasileiro, IJ-R-Br). The most appropriate model was that of four classes, with the profiles found indicating differences between the adolescent offenders both in relation to psychological functioning and criminal pattern, as well as the psychosocial risk/protective factors associated with each of the profiles. These findings, in addition to contributing to understanding the phenomenon, may help to reflect on the assessments required to assist in judicial decision-making processes and the customized proposal of psychosocial interventions.
Association between Regular Exercise and Self-Rated Health and Sleep Quality among Adults in Japan during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Makizako Hyuma , Kiyama Ryoji , Nishimoto Daisaku , Nishio Ikuko , Masumitsu Tomomi , Ikeda Yuriko , Hisamatsu Misako , Shimizu Sachiko , Mizuno Masami , Wakamatsu Mikiyo , Inoue Naomi , Tabira Takayuki , Ohshige Tadasu , Yamashita Ayako , Nagano Satoshi ,   KU-OHL Project Team
Published: October 2021

Regular exercise may be associated with better self-rated health and sleep status. However, this correlation among various age groups, such as young, middle-aged, and older people, as well as during the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been examined. This study examined the correlation between regular exercise and self-rated health and sleep quality among adults in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected using an online survey conducted between February 26 and 27, 2021. A total of 1410 adults in Japan (age range, 20–86 years) completed the online survey. Regular exercise was divided into: (1) more than 30 min of moderate exercise a day, (2) more than 2 days per week, and (3) continuous for 1 year or longer. Self-rated health and sleep quality were assessed using the Likert scale. After adjusting for multiple confounders, regular exercise was correlated with decreased poor self-rated health and poor sleep quality in middle-aged adults; however, no significant correlation was observed among young and older adults. The promotion of regular exercise among middle-aged people during the COVID-19 pandemic may contribute to better self-rated health and sleep quality status.