bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engagement of Nepalese High-School Students in Cancer Awareness Using a Photovoice Based on the Health Belief Model
Authors: Poudel Kritika , Sumi Naomi
Published: September 2021

Delivering cancer education is one of the strategies for implementing health promotion and disease prevention programs. Moreover, cancer education can help people understand the risks related to specific behaviors that can trigger cancer during later life stages. This study examines the cancer perception of high school students (median age: 14 years) using a photovoice based on the health belief model. Students were requested to take photographs to answer the framework question: “How is cancer present in your surrounding?” A theoretical thematic analysis was conducted to develop codes, and the narratives completed by the participants on the SHOWED checklist were used to create contextualization. With the use of the health belief model, the following factors were determined: risk factors and environmental pollution (perceived susceptibility), symptoms (perceived severity), prevention and screening (benefits), ignorance and poverty, and ineffective laws and regulations (perceived barriers). Linked to these themes, students’ narration demonstrated the risk of developing cancer if the same environment and inadequate regulations persisted. This study highlights the need to incorporate the participation of adolescents in the design, implementation, and monitoring of several community issues to help address several unanswered questions.
Arguments for Using Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Cancer-Related Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Chiorescu Roxana Mihaela , Mocan Mihaela , Stoia Mirela Anca , Barta Anamaria , Goidescu Cerasela Mihaela , Chiorescu Stefan , Farcaş Anca Daniela
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: Patients with cancer with a hypercoagulable state present an increased incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Neoplastic patients with concurrent VTE undergoing anticoagulant treatment face a series of issues. (2) The aim of the present paper is to systematically summarize current VTE management in patients with neoplasia and to review the current clinical evidence from meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials and guidelines regarding the administration of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) for cancer-associated VTE. (3) Search Strategy: We performed a review on meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials and guidelines in favor of the administration of DOACs in patients with cancer-associated VTE published in the last 6 years in the Medline (PubMed) and Embase databases. (4) Results: 21 meta-analyses, 14 randomized controlled studies comparing DOACs to VKAs and LMWH, and 7 national and international guidelines were identified. We identified five studies that show the antineoplastic effect of DOAC on experimental models. (5) Conclusions: DOACs can be seen as the first choice for VTE treatment in neoplastic patients who have a low risk of bleeding, who do not have severe renal impairment, and who are not undergoing treatments that could interact with DOAC’s mechanism of action.
Master Frame and Flat Floor-Timber: An ‘Architectural Signature’ of the Mediterranean Shipyards?
Authors: Rieth Eric
Published: September 2021

This article is an attempt to analyse the master frame form characterised by a flat floor-timber, a sharp or shaped turn of the bilge, and more or less straight sides. This form of master frame is associated with the Mediterranean architecture of the ‘frame-based’ principle, as attested from the end of the 5th century to the beginning of the 6th century AD Dor 2001/1 shipwreck (Israel), which is considered as one of the five origins (Root 4: Nilotic-riverine) of the ‘frame-based’ architecture. A series of medieval and modern wrecks of coastal ships and galleys bear witness to this form of master frame linked more generally to the Mediterranean whole moulding. In view of the consistency of these archaeological as well as ethnographic evidence on traditional Mediterranean shipbuilding, this form of master frame with a flat floor-timber appears to be one of the most revealing ‘architectural signatures’ of the practices of Mediterranean shipyards.
Ancient Ceramic Casting Molds from the Southern Russian Far East: Identification of Alloy Traces via Application of Nondestructive SEM-EDS and pXRF Methods
Authors: Zhushchikhovskaya Irina S. , Buravlev Igor Yu.
Published: September 2021

The investigation presented in this paper is a unique assemblage of ceramic casting molds discovered at one of the sites from the Bohai period (698–926) in the territory of the southern Russian Far East. The main research aim is to recognize probable traces of metal alloys cast in ceramic molds. Nondestructive pXRF and SEM-EDS methods were used as the research instruments for detecting the expected alloys’ chemical components. As a result, the elements Pb, Sn, Cu, and As were indicated at the surfaces of the molds’ cavities with evidence of carbonization caused by the casting process. Preliminarily, two groups of alloys were distinguished: lead-bearing alloys and lead-free alloys. Our new insights are in good accordance with the results of previous investigations on chemical compositions of bronzes from the Bohai period archaeological sites of the southern Russian Far East. In particular, data on the examination of ceramic molds confirm the conclusion that various kinds of copper alloys were known and used in the bronze casting craft of the Bohai period.
Fluorosilane Water-Repellent Coating for the Protection of Marble, Wood and Other Materials
Authors: Adamopoulos Fotios G. , Vouvoudi Evangelia C. , Achilias Dimitris S. , Karapanagiotis Ioannis
Published: September 2021

The preservation of cultural heritage monuments and artifacts requires the development of methods to produce water-repellent materials, which can offer protection against the effects of atmospheric water. Fluorosilanes are a very promising class of materials, as they act as precursors for the formation of low surface energy polymer networks. 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl-triethoxysilane is applied on marble, wood and the surfaces of other materials, such as glass, silicon wafer, brass, paper and silk. According to the measurements of static water contact angles, it is reported that superhydrophobicity and enhanced hydrophobicity are achieved on the surfaces of coated marble and wood, respectively. Hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity were observed on the treated surfaces of the other materials. More important, water repellency is achieved on any hydrophobic or superhydrophobic surface, as revealed by the very low sliding angles of water drops. The study is accompanied by colorimetric measurements to evaluate the effects of the treatment on the aesthetic appearances of the investigated materials. Finally, the capillary absorption test and a durability test are applied on treated wood and marble, respectively.
Underwater Cultural Heritage as an Engine for Social, Economic and Cultural Development. State of Research at the University of Cadiz (Andalusia, Spain)
Authors: Pérez-Reverte Mañas Carlota , Cerezo Andreo Felipe , López Osorio Pablo , González Gallero Raúl , Mariscal Rico Luis , Arévalo González Alicia
Published: September 2021

Public access to underwater and maritime cultural heritage has proven to have a very positive effect on the local economy. This type of heritage is very attractive for the cultural tourism sector in general and for active and diving tourism. The Nautical and Underwater Archeology Line of the University of Cadiz, within the framework of the TIDE Project (Interreg Atlantic Area) and Herakles Project (FEDER-UCA18-107327) have been working on the enhancement of maritime and underwater heritage through the application of new technologies. In this paper, we will present the advances in the project in the Strait of Gibraltar, based on the first phase of scientific analysis and on the definition of a common working methodology that has resulted in a toolkit for the development of tourism activities linked to the MCH and UCH. Pilot activities under development are focused on accessible underwater heritage routes, VR applications to create Dry Dive experiences and the streaming of underwater archaeological works, thanks to a bottom-surface acoustic communication buoy. Results show that these types of outreach solutions and, by extension, of tourism application, must be preceded by a rigorous archaeological research process, a study of the target audience and the evaluation of the carrying capacity of the sites, to avoid falling into the mercantilisation or deterioration of the UCH. On the other hand, virtual or indirect access solutions are very useful, but always through the correct interpretation of the heritage.
Geoheritage Meaning of Artificial Objects: Reporting Two New Examples from Russia
Authors: Mikhailenko Anna V. , Ruban Dmitry A. , Ermolaev Vladimir A.
Published: September 2021

Geoheritage is not necessarily linked genetically to “purely” geological processes. Investigations in two urban areas of Russia allowed us to find essentially artificial objects demonstrating certain geological uniqueness. The huge balls sculptured from rapakivi granite and installed in Saint Petersburg represent cultural, historical, and stone heritage. These are also artificial megaclasts with perfect sphericity. The coal waste heaps situated in Shakhty and its vicinity represent industrial, historical, and urban heritage. These are also artificial landforms creating a kind of pseudo-mountainous landscape. These examples permit us to question the importance of the co-occurrence of heritage categories for geosite assessment.
Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms in Saudi Allied Dental Professionals: Is there an Underestimation of Related Occupational Risk Factors?
Authors: Bakhsh Hadeel R. , Bakhsh Heba H. , Alotaibi Seham M. , Abuzaid Maha A. , Aloumi Latefah A. , Alorf Shoug F.
Published: September 2021

This study aims to examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms in allied dental professionals (ADPs) in Saudi Arabia and risk factors for MSDs. The study also explores ADPs’ opinions and attitudes about the effect of MSD symptoms on the quality of life and potential mitigatory measures. This is a prospective cross-sectional study. Participants were 355 licensed dental staff (average age 33.6 ± 8.1 years, 69% women) working as assistants, lab technicians, radiology technicians, or sterilization technicians with at least six months’ work experience. The self-administrated questionnaire comprised socio-demographics, work-related factors, and items from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Multivariate and univariate logistic regressions were conducted to investigate risk factors for MSD symptoms. Overall, 93% of ADPs complained of MSD symptoms in at least one body site in the past 12 months. Factors related to work conditions (e.g., ‘keeping an uncomfortable posture for long periods of time’, ‘lifting heavy objects’) and years of experience were proven to be significant risk factor for developing MSDs. The cohort of ADPs showed a high MSD symptoms prevalence. Efforts are imperative in addressing the risk factors of ergonomics and the workplace environment, and more rigorous studies are needed to further investigate risk factors.
A Connected Community Approach: Citizens and Formal Institutions Working Together to Build Community-Centred Resilience
Authors: Poland Blake , Gloger Anne , Morgan Garrett T. , Lach Norene , Jackson Suzanne F. , Urban Rylan , Rolston Imara
Published: September 2021

Urban resilience research is recognizing the need to complement a mainstream preoccupation with “hard” infrastructure (electrical grid, storm sewers, etc.) with attention to the “soft” (social) infrastructure issues that include the increased visibility of and role for civil society, moving from (top-down, paternalistic) government to (participatory) governance. Analyses of past shock events invariably point to the need for more concerted efforts in building effective governance and networked relations between civil society groupings and formal institutions before, during, and after crisis. However, the literature contains little advice on how to go about this. In this paper, we advance a Connected Community Approach (CCA) to building community resilience with a specific focus on the relationship between community and formal institutions. In the literature review that informs this work, we assess the current, limited models for connecting communities to formal institutions, as well as the emerging role of community-based organizations in this work, and we offer our own assessment of some of the key tensions, lacunae, and trends in the community resilience field. Principally, we explore the potential of the CCA model, as spearheaded by the East Scarborough Storefront and the Centre for Connected Communities in Toronto, Canada, as a promising approach for building the relational space between civil society and the state that is so often called for in the literature. The paper concludes with future directions for research and practice.
Is Loneliness an Undervalued Pathway between Socio-Economic Disadvantage and Health?
Authors: Meisters Rachelle , Putrik Polina , Westra Daan , Bosma Hans , Ruwaard Dirk , Jansen Maria
Published: September 2021

Loneliness is a growing public health issue. It is more common in disadvantaged groups and has been associated with a range of poor health outcomes. Loneliness may also form an independent pathway between socio-economic disadvantage and poor health. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the contribution of loneliness to socio-economic health inequalities. These contributions were studied in a Dutch national sample (n = 445,748 adults (≥19 y.o.)) in Poisson and logistic regression models, controlling for age, gender, marital status, migration background, BMI, alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity. Loneliness explained 21% of socioeconomic health inequalities between the lowest and highest socio-economic groups in self-reported chronic disease prevalence, 27% in poorer self-rated health, and 51% in psychological distress. Subgroup analyses revealed that for young adults, loneliness had a larger contribution to socioeconomic gaps in self-rated health (37%) than in 80+-year-olds (16%). Our findings suggest that loneliness may be a social determinant of health, contributing to the socioeconomic health gap independently of well-documented factors such as lifestyles and demographics, in particular for young adults. Public health policies targeting socioeconomic health inequalities could benefit from integrating loneliness into their policies, especially for young adults.
The Cross-Sectional Relations of COVID-19 Fear and Stress to Psychological Distress among Frontline Healthcare Workers in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Subhas Natasha , Pang Nicholas Tze-Ping , Chua Wei-Cheng , Kamu Assis , Ho Chong-Mun , David Isabel Shamini , Goh William Wei-Liang , Gunasegaran Yogaraja Indran , Tan Kit-Aun
Published: September 2021

Previous pandemics have demonstrated short and long-term impacts on healthcare workers’ mental health, causing knock-on effects on patient care and professional functioning. Indeed, the present COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented disruption in social interactions and working conditions. Malaysia has been under the Recovery Movement Control Order since June 2020; however, with the upsurge of cases, healthcare workers face pressure not only from working in resource-deprived settings but also from the increasing patient load. The primary objective of the present study was to examine the cross-sectional relationship of COVID-19 fear and stress to psychological distress (operationalized as anxiety and depression) in healthcare workers. The present sample included 286 frontline healthcare workers from three hospitals in Selangor, Malaysia. Self-administered questionnaires containing sociodemographic and occupational items, the Malay versions of the Coronavirus Stress Measure scale, the Fear of Coronavirus-19 scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were distributed via online platforms. Hierarchical multiple regression findings suggest that age, shift work, and COVID-19 stress consistently predicted anxiety and depression among frontline healthcare workers after adjusting for sociodemographic and occupational variables. The present findings suggest that frontline healthcare workers are not only inoculated against COVID-19 itself but also against the psychological sequelae of the pandemic.
Prevention and Control of COVID-19 in Imperfect Condition: Practical Guidelines for Nursing Homes by Japan Environment and Health Safety Organization (JEHSO)
Authors: Ochi Sae , Murakami Michio , Hasegawa Toshihiko , Komagata Yoshinori
Published: September 2021

Infection control at nursing homes is a top priority to address the COVID-19 pandemic because people who are the most vulnerable to the pathogen live in close contact. Currently, control measures specifically for nursing homes often ignore under-resourced condition of the facilities. To make guidelines assuming realistic conditions, an expert meeting with 16 members established the key challenges in nursing homes, the basics of infection control, and the major transmission routes. A list of existing guidance was compiled and each item in the list was peer-reviewed by eight experts considering three aspects: significance, scientific validity, and feasibility. Factors related to the nursing home environment, the nature of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and patient characteristics were identified as the causes of difficulties in infection control at nursing homes. To develop realistic prevention measures in under-resourced condition such as nursing homes, we may need to accept there are no perfect control measures that can achieve zero risk. Instead, the guidelines are based on the concept of deep defense, and practical checklists with 75 items were established. The evaluation of nursing homes by independent organizations using the checklists would be helpful to achieve sustainable infection control.
Cadmium, Chromium, and Cobalt in the Organs of Glyceria maxima and Bottom Sediments of the Pisa River and Its Tributaries (Poland)
Authors: Skorbiłowicz Elżbieta , Skorbiłowicz Mirosław , Tarasiuk Urszula , Korzińska Magdalena
Published: September 2021

The aim of the presented article was to determine whether human activity significantly influenced the enrichment of Cd, Co, and Cr, in river sediments and Glyceria maxima, in the basin of the Pisa River, an underdeveloped area in Poland. In this study, the content and spatial distribution of Cd, Cr, and Co in the organs underground and above ground, (sequentially: root, stem, leaf) of Glyceria maxima and bottom sediments of the Pisa River and its tributaries (Pisza Woda, Wincenta, Turośl and Skroda River) were analyzed. The Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were determined by ASA method (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry). The results showed that the average PTEs contents in the river sediments occurred in the following descending order of Cd < Co < Cr. The highest values of the Igeo, CF coefficients, i.e., the greatest impact of anthropogenic activities on the water environment of the Pisa River and its tributaries, were found especially in the case of Cd. The research on the plant material has shown that the highest content of Cr and Co occurs in the roots, then in the stems, and the least in the leaves of Glyceria maxima. However, the amounts of Cd in the examined parts of Glyceria maxima had similar values. The content of Cd, Cr, and Co in the roots and above-ground parts exceeded the physiological values. Glyceria maxima can be used as a biological indicator material. Statistical analyzes showed the movement of PTEs in the sediment-root-stem-leaf system and identified the sources of PTEs, i.e., municipal wastewater treatment plants, the local food industry, and surface runoff.
Risk Factors for Apathy in Polish Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Gorzkowska Agnieszka , Cholewa Joanna , Cholewa Jaroslaw , Wilk Aleksander , Klimkowicz-Mrowiec Aleksandra
Published: September 2021

Apathy, a feeling of indifference or a general lack of interest and motivation to engage in activity, is one of the most common neuropsychiatric symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The large variation in prevalence and the underlying pathophysiological processes remain unclear due to heterogeneous PD populations. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for apathy, the modification or treatment of which may be clinically relevant and improve quality of life and caregiver burden for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Caucasian subjects with Parkinson’s disease were included in the study. Baseline demographics, neurological deficit, medications taken, cognitive and neuropsychiatric status, and the polymorphisms in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene were assessed. Apathy was diagnosed in 53 (50.5%) patients. They were less educated (OR 0.76 CI 0.64–0.89; p = 0.001), more frequently depressed (OR 1.08 CI 1.01–1.15; p = 0.018), and less frequently treated with inhibitors of monoamine oxidase-B (MAOB-I) (OR 0.07 CI 0.01–0.69; p = 0.023). Although apathetic patients were more likely to carry the Met/Met genotype, differences in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor BDNF rs6265 polymorphism between apathetic and non-apathetic PD patients were not statistically significant in multivariate analysis. Some risk factors for apathy may be clinically modifiable. Further studies are needed to assess whether modeling modifiable apathy risk factors will affect the prevalence of this neuropsychiatric symptom in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Conversation Breeds Compliance: The Role of Intergenerational Communication in Promoting Preventive Behaviors against COVID-19 among Middle-Aged Parents in China
Authors: Gong Wanqi , Guo Qin , Jiang Crystal L.
Published: September 2021

This study aims to explore and compare the influences of two crucial information channels used by middle-aged parents—media and their adult children—on their health knowledge, emotions and preventive behaviors against COVID-19, based on media exposure and the family communication patterns (FCP) theory. Parents of college students in Guangzhou, China were invited to participate in an online survey between February 10 and 24, 2020. A total of 193 respondents, aged between 40 and 65 years, completed the study questionnaire. Media exposure was a positive predictor of negative emotions, intergenerational discussions, and preventive behaviors among Chinese middle-aged parents. Conversation orientation was a positive predictor of scientific discussions and preventive behaviors, whereas conformity orientation was a negative predictor of knowledge, but a positive predictor of intergenerational discussions and negative emotions. Intergenerational discussions mediated the relationships between media exposure and preventive behaviors, as well as between FCP and preventive behaviors. Health communication efforts require the help of adult children as intergenerational communication serves as an important amplifier in terms of influencing the health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of middle-aged and elderly populations.
Burnout and Perceived Stress of Polish Emergency Call Takers and Dispatchers
Authors: Makara-Studzińska Marta , Załuski Maciej , Adamczyk Katarzyna
Published: September 2021

A scientific research has demonstrated that emergency call operators face unique risks to job stress and burnout. It was hypothesized that perceived stress (demonstrated as resourcefulness–helplessness dimension) may mediate relationships between work environments and burnout taking into account the buffering effect of self-efficacy. The participants of the study were 546 emergency dispatchers and call-takers from 14 Polish public-safety answering points. The Link Burnout Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale were employed. The method of path analysis was used and direct and indirect interactions between the variables were identified. Shorter work experience (fewer years on this specific job position) was associated with a higher level of burnout. The greater number of shifts per month was associated with a higher level of perceived stress (higher level of helplessness). Self-efficacy was combined with perceived stress by antagonistic relationships, but the assumed buffering effect on burnout was not confirmed. It was observed that engaging the resource of one’s own self-efficacy in professional work may lead to the loss of other personal resources, manifesting itself in the form of greater disappointment with the work performed.
Neonatal Outcomes after Combined Opioid and Nicotine Exposure in Utero: A Scoping Review
Authors: Isaacs Krystyna R. , Atreyapurapu Sravanthi , Alyusuf Amal H. , Ledgerwood David M. , Finnegan Loretta P. , Chang Katie H. K. , Ma Tony X. , Washio Yukiko
Published: September 2021

Background: The majority of women who are pregnant with opioid use disorder (OUD) also smoke tobacco but are rarely offered tobacco cessation counseling. While the effects of exposure to opioids and nicotine in utero are well-understood separately, understanding the impact of the combined exposure to these substances on neonatal outcomes is lacking. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus databases for studies addressing the combined exposure to opioids and nicotine during pregnancy published between 1 January 1980 and 9 July 2019. A total of 29 papers met the eligibility criteria for inclusion, with nine being identified as clinical trials (three from the MOTHER study) and two as secondary data analysis of clinical trial data. Results: Neonatal outcomes for infants who had a combined exposure to opioids and nicotine in utero indicated a reduction in birth weight and birth length. Findings in infants exposed to both nicotine and opioids were mixed with regard to the duration of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), the likelihood of treatment for NAS, doses of medicine used to treat NAS, and NAS scores when compared with infants who had opioid exposure without nicotine. Conclusions: The combined exposure to nicotine and opioids during pregnancy may lead to a reduction in neonatal birth weight and birth length and more severe NAS signs, compared with opioid use alone, but more research is necessary to identify the minimum dosage and length of nicotine exposure to accurately predict these outcomes.
Will Costliness Amplify the Signalling Strength of Past Pro-Environmental Behaviour? Exploratory Study on Autonomy
Authors: Bai Shizhen , Wang Yan , She Shengxiang , Wei Sheng
Published: September 2021

Research has shown that the extent to which previous environmental actions are linked to people’s environmental self-identity influences subsequent environmentally-friendly behaviour. The study empirically examined the influences of recycling efforts on subsequent pro-environmental behaviour by PLS (partial least squares) structural equation modelling based on the survey data of 426 respondents in China. The results indicate that recycling efforts have a positive effect on pro-environmental behaviour through the mechanism of feelings of pride and environmental self-identity. We hypothesise that past pro-environmental behaviour is more likely to promote an individual’s environmental self-identity when the behaviour is incurred with a higher costliness. However, the results show that only when individuals autonomously perform costly recycling behaviour, the signalling strength of previous recycling efforts is higher to promote environmental self-identity. On the contrary, the high costliness weakens the signalling strength of previous recycling efforts through producing negative emotions. Our results show that when reminding people of their past pro-environmental behaviour in order to promote future pro-environmental behaviour, it is useful to emphasize the autonomously taken costliness of behaviour as it can strongly signal that one is a pro-environmental person, thus as to strengthen environmental self-identity.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Discontinuation of Long-Term Benzodiazepine Use in Insomnia and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Chapoutot Mélinée , Peter-Derex Laure , Bastuji Hélène , Leslie Wendy , Schoendorff Benjamin , Heinzer Raphael , Siclari Francesca , Nicolas Alain , Lemoine Patrick , Higgins Susan , Bourgeois Alexia , Vallet Guillaume T. , Anders Royce , Ounnoughene Marc , Spencer Jessica , Meloni Francesca , Putois Benjamin
Published: September 2021

Benzodiazepines have proven to be highly effective for treating insomnia and anxiety. Although considered safe when taken for a short period of time, a major risk–benefit dilemma arises in the context of long-term use, relating to addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and potential side effects. For these reasons, benzodiazepines are not recommended for treating chronic sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, nor for people over the age of 65, and withdrawal among long-term users is a public health issue. Indeed, only 5% of patients manage to discontinue using these drugs on their own. Even with the help of a general practitioner, this rate does not exceed 25 to 30% of patients, of which approximately 7% manage to remain drug-free in the long term. Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT) offer a crucial solution to this problem, having been shown to increase abstinence success to 70–80%. This article examines traditional and novel CBT techniques in this regard, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which address both the underlying condition (insomnia/anxiety) and the substance-related disorder. The theoretical framework and evidence supporting the use of these approaches are reviewed. Finally, current research gaps are discussed, and key research perspectives are proposed.
Assessing Willingness to Engage in Risky Driving Behaviour Using Naturalistic Driving Footage: The Role of Age and Gender
Authors: Ventsislavova Petya , Crundall David , Garcia-Fernandez Pedro , Castro Candida
Published: September 2021

Young novice drivers are more prone than older drivers to get involved in a risky driving situation. Some young drivers underestimate risk while overestimating their driving abilities, increasing the likelihood of engaging in risky behaviour. Age and inexperience both influence risk estimation, though it is not clear which of these variables is more important. Can drivers’ willingness to engage in risky behaviour be assessed in a similar way to hazard perception skill using video-based risky situations? The aim of the current study was to assess whether a video-based tool could measure the willingness to participate in risky driving situations and whether it can distinguish between different types of risky driving scenarios across gender and driver age groups. We also explored the moderating effect of age and gender on drivers’ experience in relation to the risky manoeuvres and participants’ willingness to engage in risky situations. Participants were presented with naturalistic videos from the perspective of the driver that contained active risky situations (result of driver’s own actions) and were asked to make a decision regarding a potential action (to overtake a bus/bicycle or pass through an amber light) and whether they would accelerate at this point. Participants reported that they were more willing to accelerate and overtake cyclists and buses and less willing to pass a light in amber. Young drivers were more willing to both engage in the risky behaviours and accelerate than older drivers, with young males reporting higher scores than the other groups. Gender differences were observed, with males being more prone to overtake and pass through a light in amber than females; however, this difference was not observed for the intention to accelerate. All the above effects remained when we tested the impact of experience on decision making while controlling for age and gender, although driving experience was no longer significant. These results demonstrate that drivers’ intention to assume risk can indeed be measured in a similar video-based methodology to that used by hazard perception tests. The findings raise the possibility of assessing and training drivers on a wider range of safety-related behaviours.
Uncovering Real Earnings Management: Pay Attention to Risk-Taking Behavior
Authors: Alharbi Samar , Al Mamun Md , Atawnah Nader
Published: September 2021

We examine the impact of corporate risk-taking on firm-level real earnings management. We find that firms with higher risk-taking engage in higher real earnings management. Our results are robust to a series of robustness tests, including simultaneous least squares approach, firm fixed effect, change analysis, and pseudo difference-in-difference analysis. Additional analyses reveal that the impact of risk-taking on real earnings management is more pronounced among firms that experience prior-year loss and are run by top-echelons who are risk lovers. Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) regulation does not attenuate the positive effect of risk-taking on real earnings management. However, external monitoring by institutional investors and takeover susceptibility curb the relation between risk-taking and real earnings management. Our study highlights that outsider, such as investors and regulators, should pay close attention to a firm’s risk-taking behavior to unravel the extent of real earnings management in the firm.
The Architecture of Mass Customization-Social Internet of Things System: Current Research Profile
Authors: Dou Zixin , Sun Yanming , Wu Zhidong , Wang Tao , Fan Shiqi , Zhang Yuxuan
Published: September 2021

In the era of big data, mass customization (MC) systems are faced with the complexities associated with information explosion and management control. Thus, it has become necessary to integrate the mass customization system and Social Internet of Things, in order to effectively connecting customers with enterprises. We should not only allow customers to participate in MC production throughout the whole process, but also allow enterprises to control all links throughout the whole information system. To gain a better understanding, this paper first describes the architecture of the proposed system from organizational and technological perspectives. Then, based on the nature of the Social Internet of Things, the main technological application of the mass customization–Social Internet of Things (MC–SIOT) system is introduced in detail. On this basis, the key problems faced by the mass customization–Social Internet of Things system are listed. Our findings are as follows: (1) MC–SIOT can realize convenient information queries and clearly understand the user’s intentions; (2) the system can predict the changing relationships among different technical fields and help enterprise R&D personnel to find technical knowledge; and (3) it can interconnect deep learning technology and digital twin technology to better maintain the operational state of the system. However, there exist some challenges relating to data management, knowledge discovery, and human–computer interaction, such as data quality management, few data samples, a lack of dynamic learning, labor consumption, and task scheduling. Therefore, we put forward possible improvements to be assessed, as well as privacy issues and emotional interactions to be further discussed, in future research. Finally, we illustrate the behavior and evolutionary mechanism of this system, both qualitatively and quantitatively. This provides some idea of how to address the current issues pertaining to mass customization systems.
Maternal C-Peptide and Insulin Sensitivity, but Not BMI, Associate with Fatty Acids in the First Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Bandres-Meriz Julia , Majali-Martinez Alejandro , Hoch Denise , Morante Milagros , Glasner Andreas , van Poppel Mireille N. M. , Desoye Gernot , Herrera Emilio
Published: September 2021

Maternal obesity in pregnancy is a pro-inflammatory condition exposing the fetus to an adverse environment. Here, we tested associations of maternal obesity (primary exposures: BMI, leptin) and metabolic parameters (secondary exposures: glucose, C-peptide, and insulin sensitivity) with total serum concentrations of fatty acids in the first trimester of human pregnancy. This cross-sectional study included 123 non-smoking women with singleton pregnancy. In maternal serum, cotinine, leptin, and C-peptide (ELISA), glucose (hexokinase-based test) and fatty acids (gas chromatography) were quantified, and the insulin sensitivity index (ISHOMA) was calculated. Concentrations of fatty acid classes and total fatty acids did not differ between BMI or leptin categories. However, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were decreased in the category with the highest C-peptide concentration (n-3 PUFA: CI −35.82–−6.28, p < 0.006) and in the lowest ISHOMA category (n-3 PUFA: CI −36.48–−5.61, p < 0.008). In a subcohort, in which fetal sex was determined (RT-qPCR of placental tissue), C-peptide was significantly associated with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in mothers bearing a female (n = 46), but not male (n = 37) fetus. In conclusion, pregnant women with high fasting C-peptide and low ISHOMA had decreased n-3 PUFA, and DHA was lower with higher C-peptide only in mothers bearing a female fetus.
Wheat Type One Protein Phosphatase Participates in the Brassinosteroid Control of Root Growth via Activation of BES1
Authors: Bradai Mariem , Amorim-Silva Vitor , Belgaroui Nibras , Esteban del Valle Alicia , Chabouté Marie-Edith , Schmit Anne-Catherine , Lozano-Duran Rosa , Botella Miguel Angel , Hanin Moez , Ebel Chantal
Published: September 2021

Brassinosteroids (BRs) play key roles in diverse plant growth processes through a complex signaling pathway. Components orchestrating the BR signaling pathway include receptors such as kinases, transcription factors, protein kinases and phosphatases. The proper functioning of the receptor kinase BRI1 and the transcription factors BES1/BZR1 depends on their dephosphorylation by type 2A protein phosphatases (PP2A). In this work, we report that an additional phosphatase family, type one protein phosphatases (PP1), contributes to the regulation of the BR signaling pathway. Co-immunoprecipitation and BiFC experiments performed in Arabidopsis plants overexpressing durum wheat TdPP1 showed that TdPP1 interacts with dephosphorylated BES1, but not with the BRI1 receptor. Higher levels of dephosphorylated, active BES1 were observed in these transgenic lines upon BR treatment, indicating that TdPP1 modifies the BR signaling pathway by activating BES1. Moreover, ectopic expression of durum wheat TdPP1 lead to an enhanced growth of primary roots in comparison to wild-type plants in presence of BR. This phenotype corroborates with a down-regulation of the BR-regulated genes CPD and DWF4. These data suggest a role of PP1 in fine-tuning BR-driven responses, most likely via the control of the phosphorylation status of BES1.
Thimet Oligopeptidase—A Classical Enzyme with New Function and New Form
Authors: Liu Yu , Sigman Jeffrey , Bruce Lisa , Wolfson Adele
Published: September 2021

Peptidases generate bioactive peptides that can regulate cell signaling and mediate intercellular communication. While the processing of peptide precursors is initiated intracellularly, some modifications by peptidases may be conducted extracellularly. Thimet oligopeptidase (TOP) is a peptidase that processes neuroendocrine peptides with roles in mood, metabolism, and immune responses, among other functions. TOP also hydrolyzes angiotensin I to angiotensin 1–7, which may be involved in the pathophysiology of COVID-19 infection. Although TOP is primarily cytosolic, it can also be associated with the cell plasma membrane or secreted to the extracellular space. Recent work indicates that membrane-associated TOP can be released with extracellular vesicles (EVs) to the extracellular space. Here we briefly summarize the enzyme’s classical function in extracellular processing of neuroendocrine peptides, as well as its more recently understood role in intracellular processing of various peptides that impact human diseases. Finally, we discuss new findings of EV-associated TOP in the extracellular space.
CultivData: Application of IoT to the Cultivation of Agricultural Data
Authors: Lemus-Prieto Felipe , Bermejo Martín Juan Francisco , Gónzalez-Sánchez José-Luis , Moreno Sánchez Enrique
Published: September 2021

CultivData proposes the convergence of technologies, such as IoT, big data, HPC, open data and artificial intelligence, to apply HPDA (High Performance Data Analytics) to the cultivation of agricultural data and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of farms. An information system has been developed as an IT platform for the cultivation of open data to extract knowledge and to support the decision making of stakeholders in the agricultural sector, so that it is possible to improve product quality and farm productivity. The resulting system integrates access to data provided by IoT devices that sensorize farms and public and open data sources (Open Data). The platform was designed to make precision agriculture a reality and to be useful not only to farmers, but also to agricultural decision-makers who plan species and crops based on data such as available water; expected weather; prices and market demands, and so forth. In addition, the platform provides to agricultural producers access to historical climate data; climate forecasts to anticipate times of drought or disasters; pest situations or monitoring of their plantations with sensorization and orthophotographs.
Stressful Life Events and Late-Life Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Chinese Older Adults: Findings from a Population-Based Cohort Study in the Greater Chicago Area
Authors: Dong Gabriella C. , Li Mengting
Published: September 2021

The majority of studies on stressful life events focus on posttraumatic stress disorder and depression, while less is known about whether the cumulative exposure to stressful life events over the life course will deteriorate cognitive function. This study aims to investigate the association between lifetime stressful life events and cognitive function in an immigrant population. The data were drawn from the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with a sample of 3125 U.S. Chinese older adults in 2017–2019. Twelve types of stressful life events were assessed: physical assault, residential fires, sexual assault, miscarriage, abortion, imprisonment, being falsely accused, divorce, death of a loved one, being robbed, experiencing cancer, and being homeless. Cognitive function was measured through global cognition, episodic memory, working memory, processing speed, and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Linear regression was performed. Older adults who experienced a higher number of life events were associated with higher global cognition (b = 0.11, SE = 0.01, p < 0.001), episodic memory (b = 0.14, SE = 0.02, p < 0.001), working memory (b = 0.17, SE = 0.03, p < 0.001), processing speed (b = 1.92, SE = 0.18, p < 0.001), and MMSE (b = 0.29, SE = 0.07, p < 0.001), while controlling for age, gender, income, education, medical comorbidities, ADL, and depressive symptoms. In contrast with earlier studies, we identified the positive relationships between aggregate and individual life events and cognition. Older adults who had prior experience with stressful life events could demonstrate an advantage over those without such experiences. In addition, older adults who experienced life event(s) during adulthood and old age are associated with higher cognitive function. Further studies could investigate how individuals respond to stressful life events and how the underlying resilience mechanism would promote cognitive function.
Gastrointestinal Manifestations in Mucopolysaccharidosis Type III: Review of Death Certificates and the Literature
Authors: Thomas Sophie , Ramaswami Uma , Cleary Maureen , Yaqub Medeah , Raebel Eva M.
Published: September 2021

Background: Mucopolysaccharidosis type III (MPS III, Sanfilippo disease) is a life-limiting recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by a deficiency in the enzymes involved in degrading glycosaminoglycan heparan sulfate. MPS III is characterized by progressive deterioration of the central nervous system. Respiratory tract infections have been reported as frequent and as the most common cause of death, but gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations have not been acknowledged as a cause of concern. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of GI problems as a primary cause of death and to review GI symptoms reported in published studies. Methods: Causes of death from 221 UK death certificates (1957–2020) were reviewed and the literature was searched to ascertain reported GI symptoms. Results: GI manifestations were listed in 5.9% (n = 13) of death certificates. Median (IQR) age at death was 16.7 (5.3) years. Causes of death included GI failure, GI bleed, haemorrhagic pancreatitis, perforation due to gastrostomies, paralytic ileus and emaciation. Twenty-one GI conditions were reported in 30 studies, mostly related to functional GI disorders, including diarrhoea, dysphagia, constipation, faecal incontinence, abdominal pain/distension and cachexia. Conclusions: GI manifestations may be an under-recognized but important clinical feature of MPS III. Early recognition of GI symptoms and timely interventions is an important part of the management of MPS III patients.
Tensiomyographic Responses to Warm-Up Protocols in Collegiate Male Soccer Athletes
Authors: Redd Michael J. , Starling-Smith Tristan M. , Herring Chad H. , Stock Matt S. , Wells Adam J. , Stout Jeffrey R. , Fukuda David H.
Published: September 2021

The mechanical properties of knee flexors and extensors in 15 collegiate male soccer players following different warm-up protocols [small-sided games (SSG), dynamic (DYN), and plyometric (PLY)] were evaluated. Tensiomyography (TMG) was used to assess contraction time (Tc), delay time (Td) and maximal displacement (Dm) of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) of both legs before and after each warm-up, while countermovement jump height variables, 20 m sprint, t-test and sit-and-reach were measured following the warm-ups. TMG was analyzed using a three-way [condition × time × leg] ANOVA, while performance variables were analyzed with a repeated measures ANOVA. Main effects of time were observed for BF-Tc (p = 0.035), RF-Td (p < 0.001), and BF-Td, (p = 0.008), and a main effect of condition was seen for RF-Tc (p = 0.038). Moreover, participants’ 20 m sprint improved following SSG (p = 0.021) compared to DYN and PLY. Sit-and-reach was greater following PLY (p = 0.021). No significant interactions were noted for the measured TMG variables. Warm-up-specific improvements were demonstrated in sprint speed and flexibility following SSG and PLY, respectively. The present study revealed changes in certain TMG measures following the warm-ups that suggest enhanced response of lower leg muscles regardless of specific activities used.