bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Strategy of Considering the Participation of Doubly-Fed Pumped-Storage Units in Power Grid Frequency Regulation
Authors: Wu Yunfei , Liu Jianfeng , Zhou Jian
Published: March 2022

Facing the challenges of grid stability brought by the large-scale access of new energy to the grid, as one of the important means of frequency regulation of the grid, the doubly-fed pumped-storage units (DFPSU) have great practical significance in the study of the joint frequency regulation strategy with the thermal power unit (TPU). In order to reduce the frequency regulation pressure on the grid caused by the large-scale entry of new energy sources, this paper proposes a joint frequency regulation strategy for the TPU and DFPSU. Based on establishing the optimal scheduling model of the system, taking into account the minimum total operating cost and the optimal time as goals, the chaotic particle swarm optimization (CPSO) is proposed to solve the model. Finally, through MATLAB simulation, the relevant examples are studied and analyzed, and the simulation results verify that the joint frequency regulation strategy in this paper can effectively improve the frequency regulation performance of the unit and the operation economy is good.
Environmental Factors Indirectly Impact the Nematode Carbon Budget of Subalpine Spruce Forests
Authors: Zhou Hongyang , Pan Kaiwen , Sun Xiaoming , Azene Belayneh , Gruba Piotr , Wu Xiaogang , Zhang Lin , Zhang Meng , Tang Tianwen , Zhu Renhuan
Published: March 2022

Nematodes play a significant role in soil biogeochemical cycling. However, our understanding of their community carbon budget response for a shift in the environmental conditions of natural and planted forests is limited. Therefore, we investigated the nematode community composition, daily carbon used in production and daily carbon budget, environmental variables, and the interaction among trophic groups in the moss, litter and 0–5 cm soil layers of natural subalpine spruce forest and plantations in western Sichuan, China. The result revealed that plantations increased the total nematode daily carbon budget by approximately 52% through the herbivore channel in the 0–5 cm soil layer. The herbivorous nematodes’ daily carbon budget and production in the moss layer of plantations decreased by approximately 60% compared to natural forests. Nematode daily carbon used in production and carbon budget had a strong negative correlation with genus richness. The water content and total carbon was the most important environmental factor that affected the nematode carbon budget and production, respectively. However, the environmental factors indirectly affect the daily carbon budget of herbivore nematodes through omnivore top-down control in subalpine forest ecosystems. Our findings highlight that the planted ecosystems have a certain capacity to maintain abundance, richness, and carbon budget of soil nematode but increase the risk of herbivorous pests.
The Effects of Environmental Changes on Plant Species and Forest Dependent Communities in the Amazon Region
Authors: Brandão Diego Oliveira , Barata Lauro Euclides Soares , Nobre Carlos Afonso
Published: March 2022

We review the consequences of environmental changes caused by human activities on forest products and forest-dependent communities in the Amazon region—the vast Amazonas River basin and the Guiana Shield in South America. We used the 2018 and 2021 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports and recent scientific studies to present evidence and hypotheses for changes in the ecosystem productivity and geographical distribution of plants species. We have identified species associated with highly employed forest products exhibiting reducing populations, mainly linked with deforestation and selective logging. Changes in species composition along with a decline of valuable species have been observed in the eastern, central, and southern regions of the Brazilian Amazon, suggesting accelerated biodiversity loss. Over 1 billion native trees and palms are being lost every two years, causing economic losses estimated between US$1–17 billion. A decrease in native plant species can be abrupt and both temporary or persistent for over 20 years, leading to reduced economic opportunities for forest-dependent communities. Science and technology investments are considered promising in implementing agroforestry systems recovering deforested and degraded lands, which could engage companies that use forest products due to supply chain advantages.
A Data-Driven Approach to Improve Customer Churn Prediction Based on Telecom Customer Segmentation
Authors: Zhang Tianyuan , Moro Sérgio , Ramos Ricardo F.
Published: March 2022

Numerous valuable clients can be lost to competitors in the telecommunication industry, leading to profit loss. Thus, understanding the reasons for client churn is vital for telecommunication companies. This study aimed to develop a churn prediction model to predict telecom client churn through customer segmentation. Data were collected from three major Chinese telecom companies, and Fisher discriminant equations and logistic regression analysis were used to build a telecom customer churn prediction model. According to the results, it can be concluded that the telecom customer churn model constructed by regression analysis had higher prediction accuracy (93.94%) and better results. This study will help telecom companies efficiently predict the possibility of and take targeted measures to avoid customer churn, thereby increasing their profits.
Comparative Analysis of Intestinal Characteristics of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) and Intestinal Flora with Different Growth Rates
Authors: Su Xin , Ji Da , Yao Junjie , Zou Yuanlong , Yan Mengzhi
Published: March 2022

To explore the causes of different growth rates among juvenile populations of largemouth bass, in the present study, a batch of largemouth bass juveniles reared under the same conditions were divided into a fast-growing group and a slow-growing group. We used histological, enzymatic and molecular biology methods to analyze and determine their histomorphological changes, digestive enzyme activity and intestinal floral composition. The fast-growing group had a significantly (p ≤ 0.01) greater intestinal fold height and muscle thickness than the slow-growing group. Lipase activity was significantly (p ≤ 0.01) higher in the fast-growing group than in the slow-growing group. Intestinal microbial analysis showed that the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Halomonas in the fast-growing group was higher than that in the slow-growing group. This research shows that the differentiation of growth rates in juvenile largemouth bass populations is closely related to intestinal fold status, lipase activity, and intestinal flora.
Nutritional Quality and Safety of the Spirulina Dietary Supplements Sold on the Slovenian Market
Authors: Masten Rutar Jasmina , Jagodic Hudobivnik Marta , Nečemer Marijan , Vogel Mikuš Katarina , Arčon Iztok , Ogrinc Nives
Published: March 2022

The microalgae Spirulina may be a popular dietary supplement rich in essential nutrients and vitamins, but oversight of the supplement industry, in general, remains limited, and increasing incidents of adulteration, misbranding, and undeclared ingredients together with misleading claims create potential risks. In response, this study characterized the elemental, amino acid and fatty acid content of commercially available Spirulina supplements in Slovenia using EDXRF, ICP-MS and GC-MS and compared the results with their nutritional declaration. The gathered data confirm that Spirulina supplements are a good source of calcium (0.15 to 29.5% of RDA), phosphorous (3.36–26.7% of RDA), potassium (0.5 to 7.69% of RDA) and selenium (0.01 to 38.6% of RDA) when consumed within recommended amounts. However, although iron contents were relatively high (7.64 to 316% of RDA), the actual bioavailability of iron was much lower since it was mainly present as the ferric cation. This study also confirms that pure Spirulina supplements are a good source of essential and non-essential amino acids, and ω-6 but not ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The presence of additives resulted in significant variation in nutrient content and, in some instances, lower product quality. Moreover, a high proportion (86.7%) of inappropriate declarations regarding the elemental content was observed. Overall, the study conclusions underline the need for a stricter control system for Spirulina-based supplements.
A Chebyshev Collocation Approach to Solve Fractional Fisher–Kolmogorov–Petrovskii–Piskunov Equation with Nonlocal Condition
Authors: Zhou Dapeng , Babaei Afshin , Banihashemi Seddigheh , Jafari Hossein , Alzabut Jehad , Moshokoa Seithuti P.
Published: March 2022

We provide a detailed description of a numerical approach that makes use of the shifted Chebyshev polynomials of the sixth kind to approximate the solution of some fractional order differential equations. Specifically, we choose the fractional Fisher–Kolmogorov–Petrovskii–Piskunov equation (FFKPPE) to describe this method. We write our approximate solution in the product form, which consists of unknown coefficients and shifted Chebyshev polynomials. To compute the numerical values of coefficients, we use the initial and boundary conditions and the collocation technique to create a system of equations whose number matches the unknowns. We test the applicability and accuracy of this numerical approach using two examples.
Fractional Order Mathematical Model of Serial Killing with Different Choices of Control Strategy
Authors: Rahman Mati ur , Ahmad Shabir , Arfan Muhammad , Akgül Ali , Jarad Fahd
Published: March 2022

The current manuscript describes the dynamics of a fractional mathematical model of serial killing under the Mittag–Leffler kernel. Using the fixed point theory approach, we present a qualitative analysis of the problem and establish a result that ensures the existence of at least one solution. Ulam’s stability of the given model is presented by using nonlinear concepts. The iterative fractional-order Adams–Bashforth approach is being used to find the approximate solution. The suggested method is numerically simulated at various fractional orders. The simulation is carried out for various control strategies. Over time, all of the compartments demonstrate convergence and stability. Different fractional orders have produced an excellent comparison outcome, with low fractional orders achieving stability sooner.
MicroRNA-181a Regulates the Proliferation and Differentiation of Hu Sheep Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells and Targets the YAP1 Gene
Authors: He Mingliang , Zhang Weibo , Wang Shan , Ge Ling , Cao Xiukai , Wang Shanhe , Yuan Zehu , Lv Xiaoyang , Getachew Tesfaye , Mwacharo Joram M. , Haile Aynalem , Sun Wei
Published: March 2022

MicroRNA (miRNA) is of great importance to muscle growth and development, including the regulation of the proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs). In our research group’s previous study, we found that miR-181a is differentially expressed in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Hu sheep at different stages. We speculated that miR-181a may participate in the growth and development process of Hu sheep. To understand the mechanism of miR-181a regulating the growth and development of Hu sheep skeletal muscle, we extracted skeletal muscle satellite cells from the longissimus dorsi muscle of 3-month-old Hu sheep fetuses and performed a series of experiments. Our results showed that miR-181a suppressed SMSCs’ proliferation using QRT-PCR, Western blot, CCK-8, EDU, and Flow cytometry cycle tests. In addition, QRT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence indicated that miR-181a facilitated the differentiation of SMSCs. Then, we used dual-luciferase reporter gene detection, QRT-PCR, and Western blot to find that the Yes1-related transcription regulator (YAP1) is the target gene of miR-181a. Our study supplies a research basis for understanding the regulation mechanism of miR-181a on the growth of Hu sheep skeletal muscle.
De Novo Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Putative Genes Involved in Anthraquinone Biosynthesis in Rubia yunnanensis
Authors: Zhang Rongfei , Miao Yuanyuan , Chen Lingyun , Yi Shanyong , Tan Ninghua
Published: March 2022

Rubia yunnanensis Diels (R. yunnanensis), a Chinese perennial plant, is well-known for its medicinal values such as rheumatism, contusion, and anemia. It is rich in bioactive anthraquinones, but the biosynthetic pathways of anthraquinones in R. yunnanensis remain unknown. To investigate genes involved in anthraquinone biosynthesis in R. yunnanensis, we generated a de novo transcriptome of R. yunnanensis using the Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing platform. A total of 636,198 transcripts were obtained, in which 140,078 transcripts were successfully annotated. A differential gene expression analysis identified 15 putative genes involved in anthraquinone biosynthesis. Additionally, the hairy roots of R. yunnanensis were treated with 200 µM Methyl Jasmonate (MeJA). The contents of six bioactive anthraquinones and gene expression levels of 15 putative genes were measured using ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), respectively. The results showed that the expressions levels for 11 of the 15 genes and the contents of two of six anthraquinones significantly increased by MeJA treatment. Pearson’s correlation analyses indicated that the expressions of 4 of the 15 putative genes were positively correlated with the contents of rubiquinone (Q3) and rubiquinone-3-O-β-d-xylopranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-glucopyranoside (Q20). This study reported the first de novo transcriptome of R. yunnanensis and shed light on the anthraquinone biosynthesis and genetic information for R. yunnanensis.
Cytosolic and Nucleosolic Calcium-Regulated Molecular Networks in Response to Long-Term Treatment with Abscisic Acid and Methyl Jasmonate in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Doudou , Huang Feifei , Yan Pengcheng , Nie Yanli , Chen Lvli , Luo Jin , Zhao Heping , Wang Yingdian , Han Shengcheng
Published: March 2022

Calcium acts as a universal secondary messenger that transfers developmental cues and stress signals for gene expression and adaptive growth. A prior study showed that abiotic stresses induce mutually independent cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) and nucleosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]nuc) increases in Arabidopsis thaliana root cells. However, gene expression networks deciphering [Ca2+]cyt and [Ca2+]nuc signalling pathways remain elusive. Here, using transgenic A. thaliana to selectively impair abscisic acid (ABA)- or methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced [Ca2+]cyt and [Ca2+]nuc increases, we identified [Ca2+]cyt- and [Ca2+]nuc-regulated ABA- or MeJA-responsive genes with a genome oligo-array. Gene co-expression network analysis revealed four Ca2+ signal-decoding genes, CAM1, CIPK8, GAD1, and CPN20, as hub genes co-expressed with Ca2+-regulated hormone-responsive genes and hormone signalling genes. Luciferase complementation imaging assays showed interactions among CAM1, CIPK8, and GAD1; they also showed interactions with several proteins encoded by Ca2+-regulated hormone-responsive genes. Furthermore, CAM1 and CIPK8 were required for MeJA-induced stomatal closure; they were associated with ABA-inhibited seed germination. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed the unique expression pattern of [Ca2+]-regulated hormone-responsive genes in cam1, cipk8, and gad1. This comprehensive understanding of distinct Ca2+ and hormonal signalling will allow the application of approaches to uncover novel molecular foundations for responses to developmental and stress signals in plants.
Receiver Function Imaging of the Crustal Structure Beneath Northern Taiwan Using Dense Linear Arrays
Authors: Chi Tsung-Chih , Chang Young-Fo , Huang Bor-Shouh
Published: March 2022

In order to realize the crustal structure in Taiwan, the receiver function method was used to analyze the teleseismic waveforms recorded by two orthogonal broadband linear arrays deployed in northern Taiwan in the east–west and south–north directions by the TAiwan Integrated GEodynamics Research (TAIGER) project from 2007 to 2009. By incorporation with Common Conversion Point (CCP) stacking, the Moho discontinuities beneath northern Taiwan were imaged. Based on the CCP stack of receiver functions in the east–west direction array, a collision boundary between the Philippine Sea Plate and the Eurasian Plate appears at the east of Taiwan. The Moho depth of the Eurasian Plate in west Taiwan is flat and 30 km; the Moho depth of the Philippine Sea Plate below the Central Mountain Range is about 55 km; in the east, the Moho depth of the Ryukyu arc is about 40 km. The south–north profile shows a brittle–ductile transition zone at depths of 15–20 km beneath central Taiwan from south to north. Moreover, the Moho depth of the Eurasian Plate is about 20–25 km in northern Taiwan. The Moho depth appears to deepen from north to south. The deepest Moho is located at the junction of the two profile lines, the Philippine Sea Plate, and has a depth of 60 km. According to these Moho depths, the crustal structure is thin and flat in the west part of northern Taiwan which is similar to the thin-skin model. However, the lithosphere is deformed and forms the mountain root in the east part which is similar to the lithospheric collision model.
Diagnostic Features and Potential Applications of PPG Signal in Healthcare: A Systematic Review
Authors: Almarshad Malak Abdullah , Islam Md Saiful , Al-Ahmadi Saad , BaHammam Ahmed S.
Published: March 2022

Recent research indicates that Photoplethysmography (PPG) signals carry more information than oxygen saturation level (SpO2) and can be utilized for affordable, fast, and noninvasive healthcare applications. All these encourage the researchers to estimate its feasibility as an alternative to many expansive, time-wasting, and invasive methods. This systematic review discusses the current literature on diagnostic features of PPG signal and their applications that might present a potential venue to be adapted into many health and fitness aspects of human life. The research methodology is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines 2020. To this aim, papers from 1981 to date are reviewed and categorized in terms of the healthcare application domain. Along with consolidated research areas, recent topics that are growing in popularity are also discovered. We also highlight the potential impact of using PPG signals on an individual’s quality of life and public health. The state-of-the-art studies suggest that in the years to come PPG wearables will become pervasive in many fields of medical practices, and the main domains include cardiology, respiratory, neurology, and fitness. Main operation challenges, including performance and robustness obstacles, are identified.
Effects of Aquatic Exercises for Patients with Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Song Ji-Ah , Oh Jae Woo
Published: March 2022

This systematic review examined papers published in Korean, English and newer publications that were not included in previous studies to assess the effect size of aquatic exercise-based interventions on pain, quality of life and joint dysfunction among patients with osteoarthritis. Six national and international databases were used to review literature (published up to 7 March 2019) on randomized controlled trials of aquatic exercise-based interventions in patients with osteoarthritis. For the 20 studies included, a meta-analysis showed that aquatic exercise produces 0.61-point reduction (n = 756; mean difference (MD) = −0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.90–−0.32) in pain compared with a control group, and aquatic exercise was effective in reducing pain (n = 315; MD = −0.28; 95% CI: −0.50–−0.05) compared with a land-based exercise group. Another meta-analysis showed that aquatic exercise produces 0.77-point improvement in quality of life (n = 279; MD = −0.77; 95% CI: −1.38–−0.15) compared with a control group. Finally, a meta-analysis showed that aquatic exercise produces 0.34-point reduction in joint dysfunction (n = 279; MD = −0.77; 95% CI: −1.38–−0.15) compared with a control group. For patients with osteoarthritis, aquatic-exercise-based interventions are effective for reducing pain and joint dysfunction and improving quality of life.
Participatory and Integrated Modelling under Contentious Water Use in Semiarid Basins
Authors: Rojas Rodrigo , Castilla-Rho Juan , Bennison Gabriella , Bridgart Robert , Prats Camilo , Claro Edmundo
Published: March 2022

Addressing modern water management challenges requires the integration of physical, environmental and socio-economic aspects, including diverse stakeholders’ values, interests and goals. Early stakeholder involvement increases the likelihood of acceptance and legitimacy of potential solutions to these challenges. Participatory modelling allows stakeholders to co-design solutions, thus facilitating knowledge co-construction/social learning. In this work, we combine integrated modelling and participatory modelling to develop and deploy a digital platform supporting decision-making for water management in a semiarid basin under contentious water use. The purpose of this tool is exploring “on-the-fly” alternative water management strategies and potential policy pathways with stakeholders. We first co-designed specific water management strategies/impact indicators and collected local knowledge about farmers’ behaviour regarding groundwater regulation. Second, we coupled a node–link water balance model, a groundwater model and an agent-based model in a digital platform (SimCopiapo) for scenario exploration. This was done with constant input from key stakeholders through a participatory process. Our results suggest that reductions of groundwater demand (40%) alone are not sufficient to capture stakeholders’ interests and steer the system towards sustainable water use, and thus a portfolio of management strategies including exchanges of water rights, improvements to hydraulic infrastructure and robust enforcement policies is required. The establishment of an efficient enforcement policy to monitor compliance on caps imposed on groundwater use and sanction those breaching this regulation is required to trigger the minimum momentum for policy acceptance. Finally, the participatory modelling process led to the definition of a diverse collection of strategies/impact indicators, which are reflections of the stakeholders’ interests. This indicates that not only the final product—i.e., SimCopiapo—is of value but also the process leading to its creation.
Predictors of Employment Status for Persons with Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Lu Shu-Jen , Liou Tsan-Hon , Lee Ming-Been , Yen Chia-Feng , Chen Yen-Ling , Escorpizo Reuben , Pan Ay-Woan
Published: March 2022

Bipolar disorder is characterized by manic and depressive episodes and can be a lifetime condition. Bipolar disorder has been found to be associated with various types of disabilities, including low employment rate and high dependence on public aid. The purpose of this study is to identify factors related to being employed for persons with bipolar disorder. Nine thousand eight hundred and eighty-six subjects with bipolar disorder were collected between July of 2012 and November of 2013 and retrieved from Taiwan national disability database on May of 2014. The mean age of the sample is 45.41 (SD = 10.5), with 64% as female. Logistic regression was used to examine the log odds of the predictive variables on outcome of employment. A Receiver Operating Characteristics analysis was applied to locate the cutoff score of World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 for being employed. All demographic variables were found to be significantly correlated with employment status among subjects. The Receiver Operating Characteristics results revealed that those subjects whose scores were below 33.57 had about a four-fold higher probability of being in employment than those whose scores were above 33.57. The result provides insights into future research effort and intervention design aimed at helping persons with bipolar disorder to obtain gainful employment.
Agricultural Openness and the Risk of COVID-19 Incidence: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Dezhen , Abula Buwajian , Jizuo Aniu , Si Jianhua , Zhong Kaiyang , Zhou Yujiao
Published: March 2022

At present, there are large number of articles on the impact of COVID-19, but there are only a few articles on the impact of COVID-19 and international agriculture. Agriculture product is different from other industrial products. If domestic food cannot be self-sufficient, it must be resolved through imports. This will inevitably face the dilemma between the opening up agriculture and the risk of importing COVID-19. This paper pioneered the use of entropy method, TOPSIS method and grey correlation analysis to predict the correlation between agricultural opening to the outside world and the input and spread of COVID-19. We use the correlation matrix quantifying the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases and agricultural openness to deduce that there is a significant positive correlation between the flow of agricultural products caused by China’s agricultural opening-up and the spread of COVID-19, and use the proposed matrix to predict the spread risk of COVID-19 in China. The results of the empirical analysis can provide strong evidence for decision-makers to balance the risk of COVID-19 transmission with the opening of agricultural markets, and they can take this evidence into full consideration to formulate reasonable policies. This has great implications both for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and for agricultural opening-up.
Prevalence and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence against Women in Liberia: Findings from 2019–2020 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Shaikh Masood Ali
Published: March 2022

Background: Intimate partner violence is a global public health crisis and a human rights issue. The objectives of the study were to conduct secondary analysis of the most recent Liberia Demographic and Health Survey (2019–2020) to determine the descriptive and analytical epidemiology of intimate partner violence (IPV) and its correlates in 15–49 year old ever-married women. Methods: Association of physical, emotional, sexual, and having experienced any type of IPV with 10 explanatory socio-demographic, attitudinal, and experiences were analyzed using simple and multiple logistic regression models. Results: 55.29% of women reported having ever experienced some form of IPV perpetrated by their current or most recent husband/partner, with the most common type being physical violence. Having been slapped, insulted, made to feel bad, and physically forced into unwanted sex were the most common types of physical, emotional, and sexual IPV. The multivariable analysis showed statistically significant association with IPV for number of living children, women’s acceptance of IPV, husband/partner’s use of alcohol, and having witnessed parental physical IPV. Conclusions: The prevalence of having experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence in Liberia was much higher than the prevalence for the WHO Africa region of 33%, highlighting the need for better women empowerment and gender equality in Liberia.
Medical Students’ Online Learning Perceptions, Online Learning Readiness, and Learning Outcomes during COVID-19: The Moderating Role of Teacher’s Readiness to Teach Online
Authors: Sarfraz Muddassar , Hussain Ghulam , Shahid Muhammad , Riaz Amir , Muavia Muhammad , Fahed Yahya Saleem , Azam Faiza , Abdullah Mohammad Tallal
Published: March 2022

This study determined the direct and indirect effects of medical students’ online learning perceptions on learning outcomes via their readiness for online learning. It also determined the moderating effect of teachers’ online teaching readiness on medical students’ online learning perceptions and learning outcomes. We apply the theoretical lens of self-determination theory and constructivist theory to formulate hypotheses. We used self-administered and postal survey methods to collect data from fourth and fifth-year medical students on online learning perceptions, readiness for online learning, and learning outcomes in two waves. We also collected data from the teachers about their perceptions of online teaching readiness. We received 517 usable students’ responses (Level-1) and 88 usable teachers’ responses (Level-2). We tested Level-1 hypotheses about direct and indirect effects in Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS), and a Level-2 hypothesis about moderating effect was tested using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM). The results for the Level-1 hypotheses supported the positive effects of students’ online learning perceptions and readiness for online learning on learning outcomes. Student readiness for online learning significantly mediated the relationship between online learning perceptions and learning outcomes. HLM results also supported a moderating effect of teachers’ online teaching readiness on medical students’ online learning perceptions and learning outcomes in such a way that learning outcomes were high when students’ online learning perceptions and teachers’ online teaching readiness were high. Based on the study’s findings, we offer contributions to theory and practice.
Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Tumors and Other Structural Anomalies in Brain MRI Performed to Rule out Secondary Headache: A Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Martínez Barbero José Pablo , Láinez Ramos-Bossini Antonio Jesús , Rivera-Izquierdo Mario , Sendra-Portero Francisco , Benítez-Sánchez José Manuel , Cervilla Jorge A.
Published: March 2022

Headache disorders (HDs) are among the most common conditions of the central nervous system, with an estimated prevalence of 50% in adult population. The aim of this work is to analyze the prevalence of structural anomalies that may explain HDs in MRI exams performed to rule out secondary headache in real-world practice, as well as risk factors associated with these lesions. We conducted a retrospective observational study based on a consecutive case series of all patients that underwent brain MRI due to headache from 1 January 2019 to 31 May 2019. We included patients from six MRI diagnostic centers accounting for four provinces of Andalusia (southern Spain). Bivariate and multivariate logistical regression models were performed to identify risk factors associated with the outcomes (1) presence of a structural finding potentially explaining headache, (2) presence of intracranial space-occupying lesions (SOLs), and (3) presence of intracranial tumors (ITs). Of the analyzed sample (1041 patients), a structural finding that could explain headache was found in 224 (21.5%) patients. SOLs were found in 50 (6.8%) patients and ITs in 12 (1.5%) patients. The main factors associated with structural abnormalities were female sex (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.02–1.85), accompanying symptoms (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.05–1.89), use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (OR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.31–2.72) and previously known conditions potentially explaining headache (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.55–3.84). Female sex (p = 0.048) and accompanying symptoms (p = 0.033) were also associated with ITs in bivariate analyses. Our results may be relevant for different medical specialists involved in the diagnosis, management and prevention of headache. Moreover, the risk factors identified in our study might help the development of public health strategies aimed at early diagnosis of brain tumors. Future studies are warranted to corroborate our findings.
Numerical Investigations of Urban Pollutant Dispersion and Building Intake Fraction with Various 3D Building Configurations and Tree Plantings
Authors: Li Qingman , Liang Jie , Wang Qun , Chen Yuntong , Yang Hongyu , Ling Hong , Luo Zhiwen , Hang Jian
Published: March 2022

Rapid urbanisation and rising vehicular emissions aggravate urban air pollution. Outdoor pollutants could diffuse indoors through infiltration or ventilation, leading to residents’ exposure. This study performed CFD simulations with a standard k-ε model to investigate the impacts of building configurations and tree planting on airflows, pollutant (CO) dispersion, and personal exposure in 3D urban micro-environments (aspect ratio = H/W = 30 m, building packing density λp = λf = 0.25) under neutral atmospheric conditions. The numerical models are well validated by wind tunnel data. The impacts of open space, central high-rise building and tree planting (leaf area density LAD= 1 m2/m3) with four approaching wind directions (parallel 0° and non-parallel 15°, 30°, 45°) are explored. Building intake fraction  is adopted for exposure assessment. The change rates of  demonstrate the impacts of different urban layouts on the traffic exhaust exposure on residents. The results show that open space increases the spatially-averaged velocity ratio (VR) for the whole area by 0.40–2.27%. Central high-rise building (2H) can increase wind speed by 4.73–23.36% and decrease the CO concentration by 4.39–23.00%. Central open space and high-rise building decrease  under all four wind directions, by 6.56–16.08% and 9.59–24.70%, respectively. Tree planting reduces wind speed in all cases, raising  by 14.89–50.19%. This work could provide helpful scientific references for public health and sustainable urban planning.
A Qualitative Assessment of Community Learning Initiatives for Environmental Awareness and Behaviour Change: Applying UNESCO Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Framework
Authors: Oe Hiroko , Yamaoka Yasuyuki , Ochiai Hiroko
Published: March 2022

This study uses qualitative research methods of text mining to elucidate the potential and prospects for community-based learning opportunities for raising environmental awareness and bringing about healthy behaviour change among university students and local residents. In particular, we focus on the importance of community-based learning in raising environmental awareness and inspiring action to support healthy living and harmony with nature. The three groups were triangulated using semi-structured questionnaires to model the ways in which education for sustainable development (ESD) can contribute to the promotion of environmental education in local communities. In order to collect in-depth data, the authors themselves were present at the study sites and collected textual data based on semi-structured questionnaires in a participatory observation framework, where they had a common experience to understand the observations. Analysis was carried out using NVivo12. The two community learning initiatives studied were in Okayama and Tokyo, which are leading ESD policy areas. The two case studies are both university student-led projects that aim to raise environmental awareness in local communities through environmentally conscious behaviour change and the creation of a foundation for healthy living. This study focuses on “youth” and “community” among the five priority areas proposed in the 2015 ESD report and discusses the potential and prospects for community learning initiatives and the triggering of the nudge effect on environmentally conscious behaviour change and health behaviours. The results of the textual analysis with triangulation show that, while policymakers and teachers and leaders driving the initiative acknowledge the importance of ESD in a comprehensive way, their attention is more focused on the design of specific projects and curricula. In contrast, university students engaged in ESD activities rated the social education facilities (local community centres, community learning centres) as “lively” and “motivating”. It was found that there are high expectations for “public living rooms”, which are important as a base for learning to promote healthy and sustainable communities and environmentally conscious behaviour change.
FOODLIT-Trial: Protocol of a Randomised Controlled Digital Intervention to Promote Food Literacy and Sustainability Behaviours in Adults Using the Health Action Process Approach and the Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rosas Raquel , Pimenta Filipa , Leal Isabel , Schwarzer Ralf
Published: March 2022

Dietary quality and sustainability are central matters to the international community, emphasised by the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic. To promote healthier and more sustainable food-related practices, the protocol of a web-based intervention to enhance adults’ food literacy is presented. The FOODLIT-Trial is a two-arm, parallel, experimental, and single-blinded randomised controlled trial delivered over 11 weeks. Based on the Food Literacy Wheel framework and supported by the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) and the Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy, weekly content with customised behaviour change techniques (experimental group) is hypothesised to be more effective to promote food behaviour change when compared to a single-time and non-customised delivery of food-related international guidelines, with no theoretically informed approaches (comparison group). Primary outcome is food literacy, including food-related knowledge, skills, and behaviours, assessed with the FOODLIT-Tool; a secondary outcome includes psychological mechanisms that efficaciously predict change in participants’ food literacy, measured with HAPA-driven items. Enlisted through online sources, participants will be assessed across five time points (baseline, post-intervention, and 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups, i.e., T0–T4). A randomisation check will be conducted, analyses will follow an intention-to-treat approach, and linear two-level models within- (T0–T4) and between-level (nested in participants) will be computed, together with a longitudinal mediation analysis. If effective, the FOODLIT-Trial will provide for a multidimensional and cost-effective intervention to enable healthier and more sustainable food practices over the long term.
A Six-Year Gynecological Follow-Up of Immunosuppressed Women with a High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: Wielgos Aleksandra , Pietrzak Bronisława , Suchonska Barbara , Sikora Mariusz , Rudnicka Lidia , Wielgos Miroslaw
Published: March 2022

Immunocompromised women are at an increased risk of developing malignancies, especially those that are viral-induced, such as invasive cervical cancer caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The aim of the study was to describe gynecological follow-up of women undergoing chronic immunosuppressive therapy for various reasons (e.g., kidney/liver transplant, systemic lupus erythematosus), diagnosed with a high-risk HPV (hrHPV) infection based on a self-sampling test. Twenty-six hrHPV-positive women were invited to take part in a gynecological follow-up, including a visual assessment of the anogenital region, two-handed gynecological examination, and cervical cytology as well as a colposcopy and cervical biopsy when necessary. Four women declined taking part in the study. Over six years of observation, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) were detected at least once in 7/22 women (31.8%), and a cervical intraepithelial lesion 1 (CIN 1) histopathologic result was obtained five times in 3/22 women. No cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, CIN 2/3, or invasive cervical cancers were observed. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) was performed in three patients. As immunocompromised women are prone to persistent hrHPV infections, they should be under strict gynecological supervision because only vigilant surveillance enables fast detection and treatment of early dysplasia and, therefore, provides a chance for the reduction of the cervical cancer burden.
Comparison of the Field-Based Intermittent Running Fitness Test 30-15 and the Treadmill Multistage Incremental Test for the Assessment of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Elite Handball Players
Authors: Mohoric Uros , Sibila Marko , Abazovic Ensar , Jovanovic Sasa , Paravlic Armin H.
Published: March 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the physiological parameters indicative of cardiorespiratory fitness obtained during the 30-15 intermittent fitness (30-15IFT) test and the multistage laboratory treadmill endurance (TR) test differ. Nineteen elite handball players were recruited for the current study and assigned in a cross-over manner to one of two tests to be performed 48 h apart at each visit to the testing facility. The results showed that VO2max (percentage difference [PC] = 6.1%; p = 0.004) and maximal running velocity (V) (PC = 19.4%; p < 0.001) were significantly higher for the 30-15IFT test than that obtained during the TR test. Furthermore, the onset of blood lactate accumulation was shown to be significantly higher for all measures considered to predict it during 30-15IFT compared to TR as follows: VO2max (PC = 12.6%; p = 0.001), running speed (PC = 33.9%; p < 0.001), and maximal heart rate (PC = 7.5%; p < 0.001). The current study highlights the importance of sport-specific testing, particularly for measuring individual cardiorespiratory fitness in elite handball players, as TR may underestimate crucial variables used for both diagnostics and training prescription.
Exploring Teacher Job Satisfaction in Rural China: Prevalence and Correlates
Authors: Wang Huan , Cousineau Claire , Wang Bill , Zeng Lucy , Sun Andrew , Kohrman Ezra , Li Nick , Tok Esther , Boswell Matthew , Rozelle Scott
Published: March 2022

Extant research continues to establish the importance of teacher job satisfaction to student performance, yet teacher job satisfaction remains under-investigated in rural China. In this paper, we examine the prevalence and correlates of teacher job satisfaction. Using data from 634 teachers across 120 schools in rural China, we find an alarmingly high prevalence of teacher job dissatisfaction: roughly 21% of rural teachers were less than satisfied with their jobs. In addition, we find that several individual- and school-level characteristics, including being a male teacher, being a homeroom teacher, not having a management role in school, being a middle-aged teacher, and a school’s boarding status, are correlated with teacher job dissatisfaction. In sum, the results demonstrate a need for further research and policy interventions to improve teacher job satisfaction in rural schools.
Physical Activity Pattern Characterized by Domains and Dimensions of the Roma Population in Comparison with That of the General Population in Northeast Hungary
Authors: Bácsné Bába Éva , Pikó Péter , Müller Anetta , Ráthonyi Gergely , Balogh Péter , Kósa Zsigmond , Kovács Nóra , Sándor János , Ádány Róza , Bács Zoltán
Published: March 2022

Our study focuses on examining physical activity, as one of the most influential health determinants by domains and dimensions among Roma, the largest vulnerable ethnic minority in Europe. The study was carried out on a sample representative of the Hungarian Roma (HR) population (n = 350) living in segregated colonies in Northeast Hungary in comparison with the Hungarian general (HG) population sample (n = 343) from the same region. Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) long-form and physical activity was quantified as MET-min/week. Scores were calculated for walking, moderate and vigorous-intensity activities for each domain (work, transport, domestic and gardening, leisure) and as an overall total. The HR population—similarly to the HG—is characterized by moderate or high physical activity; however, this level is achieved by work and housework/gardening instead of leisure time activities, which is worryingly low among HR females, but its prevalence is significantly (p < 0.001) lower in both sexes than among the HG population in the vigorous activity category. HR men move (walk and cycle) significantly more during transport than HG men. Our results may direct the attention of decision-makers to improve the health of Roma by increasing leisure-time physical activity.
Factors Related to Anxiety, Depressive Symptoms and Quality of Life in Breast Cancer
Authors: Cáceres Macarena C. , Nadal-Delgado Marta , López-Jurado Casimiro , Pérez-Civantos Demetrio , Guerrero-Martín Jorge , Durán-Gómez Noelia
Published: March 2022

Breast cancer (BC) is a major public health problem internationally. Although illness survival rates have improved, patients usually suffer multiple symptoms, both physical and psychological, which can affect their quality of life (QoL). The main aim of this study was to evaluate depressive symptoms, anxiety and the QoL of people with BC. An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out at Badajoz University Hospital (Spain). A total of 200 women with BC were included. EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires were used to assess QoL. Patients were screened for depressive symptoms using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and for state anxiety and trait anxiety using the State Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Thirty-eight percent of the patients in the sample had moderate to severe anxiety, which was related to the time of diagnosis, advanced stage of illness and surgical treatment. We found that 28% of patients had depressive symptoms, related mainly with time of diagnosis, adjuvant therapy and number of cycles of chemotherapy (CT). Patients with the longest time since diagnosis, in stage III, and in treatment with CT, especially those with the greatest number of cycles, had the worst scores in QoL. We found a positive association between depressive symptoms and anxiety with QoL in patients with BC.
Mental Health Screening Approaches for Resettling Refugees and Asylum Seekers: A Scoping Review
Authors: Magwood Olivia , Kassam Azaad , Mavedatnia Dorsa , Mendonca Oreen , Saad Ammar , Hasan Hafsa , Madana Maria , Ranger Dominique , Tan Yvonne , Pottie Kevin
Published: March 2022

Refugees and asylum seekers often face delayed mental health diagnoses, treatment, and care. COVID-19 has exacerbated these issues. Delays in diagnosis and care can reduce the impact of resettlement services and may lead to poor long-term outcomes. This scoping review aims to characterize studies that report on mental health screening for resettling refugees and asylum seekers pre-departure and post-arrival to a resettlement state. We systematically searched six bibliographic databases for articles published between 1995 and 2020 and conducted a grey literature search. We included publications that evaluated early mental health screening approaches for refugees of all ages. Our search identified 25,862 citations and 70 met the full eligibility criteria. We included 45 publications that described mental health screening programs, 25 screening tool validation studies, and we characterized 85 mental health screening tools. Two grey literature reports described pre-departure mental health screening. Among the included publications, three reported on two programs for women, 11 reported on programs for children and adolescents, and four reported on approaches for survivors of torture. Programs most frequently screened for overall mental health, PTSD, and depression. Important considerations that emerged from the literature include cultural and psychological safety to prevent re-traumatization and digital tools to offer more private and accessible self-assessments.