bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of University Teachers’ Technological Training on Educational Inclusion and Quality of Life of Students with Disabilities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fernández-Cerero José , Montenegro-Rueda Marta , Fernández-Batanero José María
Published: February 2023

Higher education institutions moving towards the inclusive education model have to offer quality education for all students. In this sense, the use of technologies favours not only the education of people with disabilities, but also their quality of life. However, these people may encounter real problems of access to technologies due, among other factors, to the lack of teacher training, causing a public health problem. In this line, our study includes a systematic review of the literature that aims to know the impact of the technological training of university teachers in relation to educational inclusion and the improvement of the quality of life of students with disabilities. To this end, a search of the literature published in the last decade was carried out in six databases (Dialnet, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, and SciELO), selecting 14 articles out of 1204 initial ones. The studies were analysed following the PRISMA methodology. The main findings are the scarcity of research literature on the digital competence of university teachers and its impact on the educational inclusion and quality of life of students with disabilities. Likewise, there is a clear lack of knowledge about the use of digital tools and a lack of knowledge about the different disabilities that teachers may encounter in higher education classrooms.
Clinical and Radiological Evaluation of a Self-Condensing Bone Implant in One-Stage Sinus Augmentation: A 3-Year Follow-Up Retrospective Study
Authors: Comuzzi Luca , Tumedei Margherita , Petrini Morena , Romasco Tea , Lorusso Felice , De Angelis Francesco , Piattelli Adriano , Tatullo Marco , Di Pietro Natalia
Published: February 2023

Stabilization of dental implants in the sinus region with a bone height below 4 mm gen-erally requires a two-stage sinus floor elevation surgery. To improve this aspect, the aim of this retrospective study was to demonstrate the feasibility of performing a one-stage maxillary sinus augmentation using an innovative self-condensing implant design, even in case of a bone height close to 2 mm. Clinical and radiological outcomes from 54 patients (26 females; 28 males; 69 total implants positioned) were analyzed 3 years post-surgery. The three-dimensional grafts change was evaluated by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) before surgery (T0), immediately after surgery (T1), and 1-year post-surgery (T2). The sinus floor levels measured at the medial (M-W), middle (MD-W), and lateral (L-W) walls reported: M-W of 1.9 ± 2.4 mm (T1) and 1.7 ± 2.6 mm (T2); MD-W of −0.1 ± 2.7 mm (T1) and 0.7 ± 2.4 mm (T2); L-W of 3.1 ± 3.0 mm (T1) and 3.1 ± 3.0 mm (T2); besides a bone crest height (C-F) of 4.6 ± 2.0 mm (T1) and 12.1 ± 1.4 mm (T2). Moreover, after 3 years only 1 implant was lost, and so an implant survival rate of 98.55% was recorded. In conclusion, these results suggest the efficacy of using this implant design for a one-stage sinus lift approach, not only in terms of increased implant survival rate and decreased marginal bone loss, but also for its potential applicability in case of reduced bone height.
Analysis of the Characteristics and Causes of Night Tourism Accidents in China Based on SNA and QAP Methods
Authors: Huang Rui , Xie Chaowu , Lai Feifei , Li Xiang , Wu Gaoyang , Phau Ian
Published: February 2023

The key purpose of this paper is to address an inherent gap in the literature on safety issues in the development of night tourism. This research takes a novel methodological approach, by using 8787 cases of tourism safety accidents in typical night tourism cities in China, and applying social network analysis (SNA) and quadratic assignment procedure (QAP) regression analysis to explore the multidimensional structural characteristics and risk-causing factors of night tourism accidents. Key findings include: (1) Amidst the complexity and diversity of the night tourism safety accidents in cities, disastrous accidents, public health accidents, natural disasters, and social security accidents are the main types of night tourism safety accidents. (2) Night tourism safety accidents have strong aggregation in specific time periods and spatial regions. There are differences in the timepoint and duration of each accident type, showing different distribution characteristics in different cities and locations. (3) Distribution of accident types in night tourism products shows obvious core-edge structure characteristics. (4) The degree of co-occurrence of four risk-inducing factors, i.e., personnel, facilities, environment, and management, has high explanatory power at the accident correlation level in the co-occurrence network of night tourism safety accidents in cities, and the influence effects of risk factors are heterogeneous at different timepoints. Our results provide some valuable implications for optimizing night tourism safety governance in cities.
Stressors, Barriers and Facilitators Faced by Australian Farmers When Transitioning to Retirement: A Scoping Review
Authors: Fletcher Chloe M. E. , Stewart Louise , Gunn Kate M.
Published: February 2023

Farms in Australia are largely family owned and managed. Complex interactions between farming history, traditions, family, business, succession, identity and place can lead to difficulties in planning for retirement for farmers. Due to the significant implications of this for farmers’ health and wellbeing, there is a clear need to determine how farmers may be best supported through the work-to-retirement transition. This scoping review summarises the literature on Australian farmers’ retirement experiences and the stressors they face during this transition. Barriers and facilitators that may hinder or help farmers were also explored. The relevant peer-reviewed literature was identified through database searching and the grey literature was collected via a web-based search. Seven studies were included in the review. Poor health and diminishing capacity to work was identified as a key stressor related to retirement. Other drivers of stress (i.e., pressure to live up to farming ideals, perceiving retirement as a threat to self-identity and financial concerns) overlapped with barriers to retirement. Farmers identified gradual transition, strong social networks, variety in interests and activities and early financial and succession planning as key facilitators of retirement. Findings will help inform the development of interventions to assist Australian farmers through this challenging stage of their lives.
The Italian Validation of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory and Its Comparison with Three Time Perspective Inventories
Authors: Martoni Monica , Fabbri Marco , Russo Paolo Maria
Published: February 2023

The Zimbardo time perspective inventory (ZTPI) is the most well-known and widely used measure of time perspective. However, the assessment of the psychometric properties of the ZTPI reveals several problems, and various short versions have been proposed to overcome these problems. In a large Italian sample (N = 2295; 1326 women; age range 18–74 years), the present study aimed to test a short version of the ZTPI (ZTPI-16) defined by high frequency items (i.e., “good” items), reviewing the items composition of previous alternative short versions of the scale. Beyond the assessment of the factorial structure of this new short ZTPI, we compared the ZTPI-16 to the original ZTPI (ZTPI-56) and another already validated version of the ZTPI in the Italian context, such as Zimbardo’s Stanford time perspective inventory (ZTPI-22), the short version of the ZTPI (ZTPI-30), and the ZTPI-36 proposed analyzing the data from 24 countries. The results confirmed the psychometric problems of the ZTPI-56, whereas the ZTPI-16 reported adequate structural validity and reliability. Moderate-to-strong correlations between same temporal subscales in different ZTPI versions were also found. These data suggest that the review of the “good” items is a new direction in the development of ZTPI versions with good psychometric properties and comparable data among cultures.
The Effects of Virtual Reality on Enhancement of Self-Compassion and Self-Protection, and Reduction of Self-Criticism: A Systematic Review
Authors: Žilinský Tomáš , Halamová Júlia
Published: February 2023

Background: Virtual reality used for the treatment of mental health disorders is showing promising potential in clinical practice. Increasing self-compassion and self-protections and decreasing self-criticism have been identified as trans-diagnostic mechanisms helping to build a resilient self. The goal of this systematic review was to provide an overview of research studies about virtual reality while exploring its effectiveness in increasing self-compassion and self-protection and decreasing self-criticism. Methods: On 6 December 2022, titles, abstracts, and, where available, keywords were searched in the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were: empirical study; quantitative methodology; outcomes measured, including self-compassion and/or self-protection, and/or self-criticism; pre/post and/or control group intervention measures of selected outcomes; participants aged 18 and above; application of virtual reality technology as part of the intervention; full study availability; and English language. Exclusion criteria were: ruminations related only to physical pain; self-protection in the context of physical survival; VR used to increase ruminations. Results: Selection criteria were met by 19 studies (two randomized controlled trials, 16 longitudinal studies, and one case study) with an overall number of 672 participants. Results suggest that VR interventions targeting self-criticism, self-compassion, and self-protection might be effective for non-clinical (self-compassion) as well as clinical (self-criticism and self-protection) samples. Discussion: The present systematic review partially supports the effectiveness of VR interventions on self-criticism, self-protection, and self-compassion. To properly answer the question of its effectiveness, more randomized control trials with larger samples from different populations are needed. The results are also limited by the variability of intervention protocols and the amount of exposure to VR. Other: This work was supported by the Vedecká grantová agentúra VEGA under Grant 1/0075/19. This systematic review has not been pre-registered.
How Do COVID-19 Vaccine Policies Affect the Young Working Class in the Philippines?
Authors: Estoce Rey Hikaru Y. , Ngan Olivia M. Y. , Calderon Pacifico Eric E.
Published: February 2023

Dubbed the “inequality virus”, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has unveiled and magnified many of the global society’s long-standing inequalities and health inequities. This work brings together the phenomena of increased inequality and health inequities felt by the poor and young working class of the Philippines and how they interact negatively with existing vaccine policies. The poor and the young were more likely to have experienced employment disruptions with limited access to technologies that allowed for teleworking. Informal economy workers suffered from diminished labor protection and draconian lockdowns. Disadvantaged areas persistently dealt with limited health resources, and the working class was disproportionately vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. Utilitarian vaccine policies such as mandatory vaccination and the prioritization scheme negatively interacted with these COVID-induced inequalities and health inequities. While the young working class was more likely to be unemployed, mandatory vaccine policy required that they get vaccinated before seeking re-employment. However, the prioritization scheme adopted by the government failed to target them as a priority. This left them in a vulnerable state of prolonged unemployment while on standby for better supply and improved infrastructure for vaccine rollout. Future prospects in terms of economic recovery and health equity will be affected by issues such as potential increased taxation, the rapidly digitalizing labor market that is evolving to favor highly-skilled workers, and the staging of universal healthcare in the country.
Austerity Measures and Underfunding of the Spanish Health System during the COVID-19 Pandemic—Perception of Healthcare Staff in Spain
Authors: Otero-García Laura , Mateos José Tomás , Esperato Alexo , Llubes-Arrià Laia , Regulez-Campo Vanesa , Muntaner Carles , Legido-Quigley Helena
Published: February 2023

Insufficient pandemic preparedness and underfunding of human and economic resources have conditioned the response to COVID-19 in Spain. This underfunding has continued since the austerity measures introduced during the 2008 financial crisis. This study aims to understand the perceptions of healthcare staff in Spain on the relationship between the funding of the health system and its capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. To this end, we carried out a thematic content analysis, based on 79 online semi-structured interviews with healthcare staff across the regions most affected by the COVID-19 first wave. Participants reported a lack of material resources, which had compromised the capacity of the health system before the pandemic. The lack of human resources was to be addressed by staff reorganisation, such as reinforcing hospital units to the detriment of primary health care. Staff shortages continued straining the COVID-19 response, even after material scarcities were later partially alleviated. Personnel shortages need to be adequately addressed in order to adequately respond to future health crises.
Are College Students Interested in Family Health History Education? A Large Needs Assessment Survey Study
Authors: Li Ming , Kwok Oi-Man , Ma Ping , Tseng Tung-Sung , Chen Lei-Shih
Published: February 2023

Family health history (FHH) is an essential foundation for personalized disease prevention. As the incidence of early-onset chronic diseases is increasing among college students, it is important to provide them with the education required to learn about their FHH. This study aimed to assess college students’ interest in receiving FHH education, preferred topics, and desired learning methods. We invited college students to complete an online survey from a large research-intensive university. A total of 2276 college students completed the survey. Nearly half of the participants self-identified as non-Hispanic white (45.5%). Slightly more than half of the sample (53.9%) were not interested in receiving FHH education mainly due to low prioritization. Among those who expressed interest in obtaining FHH education, the three most desired learning topics were the ability to interpret FHH information (76.1%), the application of FHH in disease prevention (72.0%), and FHH information collection strategies (63.6%). Computer-based learning (51.1%) was the most preferred educational method. Moreover, females, older individuals, those who have FHH in first-degree relatives, and participants who were members of racial and ethnic groups showed greater interests in receiving FHH education (ps < 0.05). Strategies to promote college students’ awareness, collection, and use of FHH are needed.
Air Pollution, Environmental Protection Tax and Well-Being
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Tang Decai
Published: February 2023

The effective control of air pollution to advance human health and improve well-being has risen to the forefront of discussion in recent years. Based on China’s 2019 environmental protection tax data and China Social Survey (CSS) data, this paper studies the effects of subjective air pollution and the environmental protection tax on residents’ well-being using an econometric mediation effect model. The research conclusions are as follows: (1) Subjective air pollution can significantly reduce residents’ well-being, (2) an environmental protection tax can significantly improve residents’ well-being and it can eliminate some of the negative influence of subjective air pollution on residents’ well-being, and (3) the grouping test of residents’ income, regional distribution, urban and rural structure, age structure, gender structure, and other variables shows that the effects of subjective air pollution on residents’ well-being are heterogeneous among different populations. After further endogeneity testing with the instrumental variables method, adjusting the primary variables, and altering the research procedures, the results are still robust. Based on these findings, we should vigorously promote the development of ecological civilization and good air quality and support reforming the environmental protection tax system to enhance well-being. It is also necessary to shift from a crude development model to a green industry and business model. While emphasizing social equity and production efficiency, we should ensure the synchronous development of cities and villages. Additionally, tangible steps should be implemented to raise people’s incomes, expand young people’s work options, and enhance their satisfaction. The article focuses on the impact of subjective air pollution on residents’ well-being, adding air pollution to the factors affecting well-being. Furthermore, the article finds that the environmental protection tax has two advantages: it can govern air pollution and promote green development, and, at the same time, it can enhance social harmony and improve residents’ well-being.
Evaluation of the Protection Effectiveness of Natural Protected Areas on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau Based on Ecosystem Services
Authors: Fu Mengdi , Wang Jun , Zhu Yanpeng , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: February 2023

Evaluating the protection effectiveness of natural protected areas is an important step in successful management. Adopting 330 natural protected areas on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau as research subjects, the regional dominant ecosystem service function was selected, and various temporal and spatial analysis methods were employed to analyze the evolution characteristics and influencing factors of ecosystem service patterns from 2000 to 2020. Our results indicated that (1) the water conservation function stabilized after fluctuation and decline, the soil conservation function fluctuated upward, and the windbreak and sand fixation function exhibited an increase after a decreasing fluctuation. (2) The protection effectiveness of25 protected areas significantly improved, that of 151 protected areas improved, that of 84 protected areas stabilized, that of 56 protected areas worsened, and that of 14 protected areas significantly worsened. (3) The top three influencing factors in descending order were precipitation change > altitude > mining area density. (4) Remarkable protection results were achieved in national protected areas, established management institutions, earlier established areas (before 2000), and areas exhibiting alow built-up area density (<0.75%) and low mining density (<1%). Our study provides technical support for the construction and management of protected areas and improvement in ecosystem service functions on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.
Exploring Sociodemographic Correlates of Suicide Stigma in Australia: Baseline Cross-Sectional Survey Findings from the Life-Span Suicide Prevention Trial Studies
Authors: Sharwood Lisa N. , Calear Alison L. , Batterham Philip J. , Torok Michelle , McGillivray Lauren , Rheinberger Demee , Zeritis Stephanie , Esgin Tuguy , Shand Fiona
Published: February 2023

The risk of suicidal behaviour in Australia varies by age, sex, sexual preference and Indigenous status. Suicide stigma is known to affect suicide rates and help-seeking for suicidal crises. The aim of this study was to investigate the sociodemographic correlates of suicide stigma to assist in prevention efforts. We surveyed community members and individuals who had attended specific emergency departments for suicidal crisis. The respondents were part of a large-scale suicide prevention trial in New South Wales, Australia. The data collected included demographic characteristics, measures of help-seeking and suicide stigma. The linear regression analyses conducted sought to identify the factors associated with suicide stigma. The 5426 participants were predominantly female (71.4%) with a mean (SD) age of 41.7 (14.8) years, and 3.9% were Indigenous. Around one-third of participants reported a previous suicide attempt (n = 1690, 31.5%) with two-thirds (n = 3545, 65.3%) seeking help for suicidal crisis in the past year. Higher stigma scores were associated with Indigenous status (β 0.123, 95%CI 0.074–0.172), male sex (β 0.527, 95%CI 0.375–0.626) and regional residence (β 0.079, 95%CI 0.015–0.143). Lower stigma scores were associated with younger age (β −0.002, 95%CI −0.004–−0.001), mental illness (β −0.095, 95%CI −0.139 to −0.050), male bisexuality (β −0.202, 95%CI −0.351 to −0.052) and males who glorified suicide (β −0.075, 95%CI −0.119 to −0.031). These results suggested that suicide stigma differed across the community, varying significantly by sex, sexual orientation and Indigenous status. Targeted educational programs to address suicide stigma could assist in suicide prevention efforts.
Association between Sense of Loneliness and Quality of Life in Older Adults with Multimorbidity
Authors: Vespa Anna , Spatuzzi Roberta , Fabbietti Paolo , Di Rosa Mirko , Bonfigli Anna Rita , Corsonello Andrea , Gattafoni Pisana , Giulietti Maria Velia
Published: February 2023

Background: Multimorbidity has been associated with adverse health outcomes, such as reduced physical function, poor quality-of-life (QoL), poor self-rated health. Objective: The association between quality of life, social support, sense of loneliness and sex and age in older adult patients affected by two or more chronic diseases (multimorbidity) was evaluated. Methods: Patients n. 162 with multimorbidity and living with family members. Tests: MMSE-Mini-Mental-State-Examination; ADL-Activities of Daily Living; Social Schedule: demographic variables; Loneliness Scale -de Jong Gierveld; Quality-of-Life-FACT-G; WHOQOL-BRIEF Social relationships. Statistical analysis: Multivariate Regression Analysis. Results: The patients with three or more diseases have worse dimensions of FACT-G total score (p = 0.029), QoL Physical-well-being (p = 0.003), Social well-being (p = 0.003), Emotional-well-being (p = 0.012), Functional-well-being (p < 0.001), than those with two. Multiple linear regression QoL: FACT_G total score, PWB, SWB, EWB, FWB as dependent variables. In the presence of multimorbidity with an increase in the patient’s age FACT-G total score (B = −0.004, p = 0.482), PWB (B = −0.024, p = 0.014), SWB (B = −0.022, p = 0.051), EWB (B = −0.001, p = 0.939), FWB (B = −0.023, p = 0.013) decrease by an average of 0.1, and as the sense of solitude increases FACT-G total score (B = −0.285, p < 0.000), PWB (B = −0.435, p < 0.000), SWB(B = −0.401, p < 0.000), EWB(B = −0.494, p < 0.000), FWB(B = −0.429, p < 0.000) decrease by 0.4. Conclusions: A sense of loneliness and advancing age are associated with bad quality-of life in self-sufficient elderly patients with multimorbidity. Implications for Practice: Demonstrating that loneliness, as well as in the presence of interpersonal relations, is predictive of worse quality of life in patients with multimorbidity helps identify people most at risk for common symptoms and lays the groundwork for research concerning both diagnosis and treatment.
Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) for Infrapatellar Saphenous Neuralgia Management in a Patient with Myasthenia gravis (MG)
Authors: Martín Pérez Sebastián Eustaquio Martín , Martín Pérez Isidro Miguel Martín , Sánchez-Romero Eleuterio A. , Sosa Reina María Dolores Sosa , Muñoz Fernández Alberto Carlos , Alonso Pérez José Luis , Villafañe Jorge Hugo
Published: February 2023

Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness of the cranial and skeletal muscles, however, neuropathies are extremely rare. In this case report we present a case of a 61-year-old man diagnosed Myasthenia gravis who came to our attention due to a 1 week of acute deep pain [NPRS 8/10] in the anterior and medial right knee which occurred during walking [NPRS 8/10] or stair climbing [NPRS 9/10]. A complete medical record and clinical examination based on physical exploration and ultrasound assessment confirmed a infrapatellar saphenous neuralgia. Therapeutic interventions included Percutaneous nerve electrical stimulation combined with pain neuroscience education, neural mobilization of the saphenous nerve and quadriceps resistance exercises. After 4 weeks, pain intensity [NRPS = 1/10], knee functionality [OKS = 41/48] and lower limb functionality [LLFI = 80%] were notably improved, nevertheless, fatigue [RPE = 2/10] was similar than baseline. At 2 months of follow-up, the effect on intensity of pain NRPS [0/10] and functionality OKS [40/48] and LLFI [82%] was maintained, however, no significant clinical changes were detected on perceived fatigue RPE Scale [2/10]. Despite the important methodological limitations of this study, our case report highlights the efficacy of percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation combined with physical agents modalities for pain and functionality of infrapatellar saphenous neuralgia in the context of Myasthenia gravis.
Public Perceptions on the Policy of Electronic Cigarettes as Medical Products on Twitter
Authors: Lou Xubin , Liu Pinxin , Xie Zidian , Li Dongmei
Published: February 2023

Starting from 1 October 2021, Australia requires a prescription for purchasing nicotine vaping products. On 29 October 2021, the UK provided a guideline to treat e-cigarettes as medical products. This study aims to understand public perceptions of the prescription policy in Australia and the UK on Twitter. Tweets related to e-cigarettes from 20 September 2021 to 31 December 2021 were collected through Twitter streaming API. We adopted both a human and machine learning model to identify a total of 1795 tweets from the UK and Australia related to the prescription policy. We classified them into pro-policy, anti-policy, and neutral-to-policy groups, and further characterized tweets into different topics. Compared to Australia, the proportion of pro-policy tweets in the UK was significantly higher (19.43% vs. 10.92%, p < 0.001), while the proportion of anti-policy tweets was significantly lower (43.4% vs. 50.09%, p = 0.003). The main topics for different attitudes towards the prescription policy between the two countries showed some significant differences, for example, “help quit smoking” in the UK and “health effect of e-cigarettes” in Australia for the positive attitude, “economic effect” in the UK and “preventing smoking cessation” in Australia for the negative attitude, which reflected different public concerns. The findings might provide valuable guidance for other countries to implement a similar policy in the future.
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on the Forestry Industry Structure Upgrading: The Moderating Effect on Labor Migration
Authors: Hou Fangmiao , Li Xiaoyi , Wu Chengliang , Yin Yufei , Xiao Hui
Published: February 2023

This study examines the impact of foreign direct investment in forestry, a prominent phenomenon in China, on forestry industry structure upgrading, using comprehensive economic theory and the panel data of 27 provinces from 2003 to 2019 in China. We used fixed and moderating effect models, and regional heterogeneity tests were conducted. Our results indicate that, at the national level, foreign direct investment in forestry and labor migration promotes forestry industry structural upgrading. In addition, our results indicate that labor migration as a moderating variable weakly promotes forestry industry structural upgrading via foreign direct investment in forestry, and these effects have regional heterogeneity. Finally, different control variables also have influence on forestry industry structural upgrading, such as the number of forestry stations. Based on these empirical results, we provide an explanation and give policy implications, such as developing secondary and tertiary forestry industries, building forestry infrastructure, and improving the efficiency of forestry foreign investment utilization to promote the optimization of the forestry industry structure in China.
Mental Health of Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Pandemic in Taiwan: The First Wave Outbreak Occurred 1 Year Later Than in Other Countries
Authors: Huang Lee-Ling , Chung Hsin-Cheng , Huang Li-Ling , Cheng Shu-Yuan , Lin Chuan-Hsiung , Yeh Te-Feng
Published: February 2023

We probed the psychological influence exerted on traumatic stress endured by healthcare workers (HCWs) and the coping behaviors adopted during the first wave of COVID-19 in Taiwan, which occurred one year later than in other countries. Clinical HCWs from two branches of a hospital network in Taichung, Taiwan, were recruited for this cross-sectional study. The participants were administered a questionnaire on sociodemographic and work-related characteristics, perceived influence exerted by COVID-19, coping behaviors in relation to COVID-19, and Impact of Event Scale-Revised scores. We obtained 769 valid questionnaires. A chi-square test, generalized linear modeling, and multivariate stepwise regression analyses were performed. Although the first wave of COVID-19 occurred one year later in Taiwan than in other countries, the traumatic stress experienced by Taiwanese HCWs was noted to be comparable to that of those in other countries. Factors for increased traumatic stress included caring for more patients with COVID-19, fair or poor self-rated mental health, higher perceived influence of COVID-19, vulnerable household income, and more negative coping behaviors. Positive coping behaviors such as exposure reduction and protection measures decreased traumatic stress. Accordingly, managers should strengthen protective measures, enhance COVID-19-related training, and provide psychological support and counseling for high-risk employees.
Selected Factors of Experiencing Pregnancy and Birth in Association with Postpartum Depression
Authors: Bašková Martina , Urbanová Eva , Ďuríčeková Barbora , Škodová Zuzana , Bánovčinová Ľubica
Published: February 2023

Background: The aim of the study is to analyse the risk of postpartum depression using dimensions of perceived support (information, emotional, and physical), antenatal education (satisfaction and attitude), and attitude toward pregnancy (wanted or unwanted). Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 584 postpartum women in two university birth centres in Slovakia. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score was used. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance, as well as logistic regression, were employed in the study. Found associations were adjusted for education level, type of birth, psychiatric history, and age. Results: As many as 95.1% of women reported their pregnancy as being wanted. Antenatal education, particularly satisfaction with it, showed a negative association with the EPDS score level. No significant differences in depression levels were found considering attitude toward pregnancy and perceived support. Conclusions: The study pointed out the significance of antenatal education to lower the risk of the postpartum depression. One of the important criteria of effective education is a woman’s subjective satisfaction with it.
Café Food Safety and Its Impacts on Intention to Reuse and Switch Cafés during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of Starbucks
Authors: Ji Yunho , Lee Won Seok , Moon Joonho
Published: February 2023

We explored the definition of food safety in the coffee service business during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic because consumer values and decision-making may have been affected by the pandemic. The food safety dimensions are freshness, quarantine, hygiene, and healthiness. We evaluated the effects of café food safety on both the consumer intention to revisit a café and their intention to switch to other cafés. We used the Amazon Mechanical Turk system for data collection. In total, 474 individuals responded to the survey questions. We used the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) ver. 20.0 and the analysis of moment structure (AMOS) ver. 21.0. We subjected the definition of café food safety to confirmatory factor analysis and then used structural equations to test the research hypotheses. The four dimensions adequately defined food safety. The results indicated that food safety positively influenced the intention to revisit, although it had no significant impact on the intention to switch cafés. Our findings will assist managers because we identify the implications of food safety for the coffee service business.
The Role of Passion in Self-Oriented Versus Team-Oriented Decision-Making in Team Sports
Authors: St-Cyr Jany , Chénard-Poirier Léandre Alexis , Dufresne Alexe , Vallerand Robert J.
Published: February 2023

This study investigated the role of passion and achievement goals in making self-oriented and team-oriented decisions. Based on the Dualistic Model of Passion, it was hypothesized that in the context of collective sports, harmonious passion should lead to the adoption of mostly mastery goals, which in turn should lead to a more team-oriented decision-making. Conversely, obsessive passion should be related to the adoption of all three types of goals but mostly to performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals, which in turn should lead to a more self-oriented decision process. A total of 253 basketball players completed measures of passion and achievement goals in sport. They then were exposed to basketball scenarios and indicated their likelihood to act in a self-oriented or team-oriented manner. Results from structural equation modeling supported the hypotheses and lead to several implications for future research.
Identifying Barriers and Pathways Linking Fish and Seafood to Food Security in Inuit Nunangat: A Scoping Review
Authors: Brockington Meghan , Beale Dorothy , Gaupholm Josephine , Naylor Angus , Kenny Tiff-Annie , Lemire Mélanie , Falardeau Marianne , Loring Philip , Parmley Jane , Little Matthew
Published: February 2023

Background: Fish and seafood play an important role in improving food security in Inuit Nunangat. Therefore, this scoping review aims to explore (1) what topics and/or themes have been widely explored in the literature related to barriers and pathways linking fish and seafood to food security; (2) where research, policy, and action gaps exist; and (3) how fisheries currently contribute to food security. Methods: A systematic search of peer-reviewed articles was conducted using six databases. Articles were screened by two independent reviewers. Eligible studies included primary research conducted in Inuit Nunangat that explored the roles of fish and seafood in food security. Results: Thirty-one articles were included for review. Overall, we found that fisheries can influence food security through direct pathways (e.g., consuming fish for nutrition), and through indirect pathways such as increasing household purchasing power (e.g., through employment). Research indicated that policies relating to wildlife and fisheries management need to be integrated with food and health policies to better address food insecurity in Inuit Nunangat. Conclusion: Future research is needed to establish a more robust understanding of the explicit mechanisms that fish and seafood harvest and/or the participation in commercial fisheries alleviates household food insecurity.
Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Xiao Ningkun , Shinwari Khyber , Kiselev Sergey , Huang Xinlin , Li Baoheng , Qi Jingjing
Published: February 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a critical public health issue that affects more than 78 million people. In many recent studies, the authors have demonstrated that equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs) can substantially improve the social and behavioral skills of children with ASD. However, the qualities of the studies differ, and some authors reached opposite conclusions. In this review, we systematically and objectively examined the effectiveness of EAATs for people with ASD, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. We searched five databases (PubMed, Scopus, ERIC, ProQuest, and MEDLINE) and added relevant references, and we identified 25 articles for data extraction and analysis. According to our results, EAAT programs can substantially improve the social and behavioral functioning and language abilities of children with ASD. However, among the subdomains, the results were inconsistent. According to the meta-analyses, there were considerable improvements in the social cognition, communication, irritability, and hyperactivity domains, but not in the domains of social awareness, mannerisms, motivation, lethargy, stereotypy, or inappropriate speech. Moreover, there was a lack of sufficient comparative data to conclude that EAAT programs lead to substantial improvements in motor and sensory functioning. In addition, among the included studies, we noted the indicator of whether EAAT programs decreased parental stress and improved family functioning, and although there were four articles in which the researchers considered this aspect, we were unable to draw any conclusions because of the insufficient data and conflicting descriptive evidence. However, we need to consider the improvement in parental mental health as a factor in the effectiveness of this complementary intervention. We hope that in future studies, researchers will focus on family functioning and conduct more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with blinded assessments using different scales and measures.
Catastrophic Costs among Tuberculosis-Affected Households in Egypt: Magnitude, Cost Drivers, and Coping Strategies
Authors: Ghazy Ramy Mohamed , Sallam Malik , Ashmawy Rasha , Elzorkany Amira Mohamed , Reyad Omar Ahmed , Hamdy Noha Alaa , Khedr Heba , Mosallam Rasha Ali
Published: February 2023

Despite national programs covering the cost of treatment for tuberculosis (TB) in many countries, TB patients still face substantial costs. The end TB strategy, set by the World Health Organization (WHO), calls for “zero” TB households to be affected by catastrophic payments by 2025. This study aimed to measure the catastrophic healthcare payments among TB patients in Egypt, to determine its cost drivers and determinants and to describe the coping strategies. The study utilized an Arabic-validated version of the TB cost tool developed by the WHO for estimating catastrophic healthcare expenditure using the cluster-based sample survey with stratification in seven administrative regions in Alexandria. TB payments were considered catastrophic if the total cost exceeded 20% of the household’s annual income. A total of 276 patients were interviewed: 76.4% were males, 50.0% were in the age group 18–35, and 8.3% had multidrug-resistant TB. Using the human capital approach, 17.0% of households encountered catastrophic costs compared to 59.1% when using the output approach. The cost calculation was carried out using the Egyptian pound converted to the United States dollars based on 2021 currency values. Total TB cost was United States dollars (USD) 280.28 ± 29.9 with a total direct cost of USD 103 ± 10.9 and a total indirect cost of USD 194.15 ± 25.5. The direct medical cost was the main cost driver in the pre-diagnosis period (USD 150.23 ± 26.89 pre diagnosis compared to USD 77.25 ± 9.91 post diagnosis, p = 0.013). The indirect costs (costs due to lost productivity) were the main cost driver in the post-diagnosis period (USD 4.68 ± 1.18 pre diagnosis compared to USD 192.84 ± 25.32 post diagnosis, p < 0.001). The households drew on multiple financial strategies to cope with TB costs where 66.7% borrowed and 25.4% sold household property. About two-thirds lost their jobs and another two-thirds lowered their food intake. Being female, delay in diagnosis and being in the intensive phase were significant predictors of catastrophic payment. Catastrophic costs were high among TB households in Alexandria and showed wide variation according to the method used for indirect cost estimation. The main cost driver before diagnosis was the direct medical costs, while it was the indirect costs, post diagnosis.
Exploring Community-Based Suicide Prevention in the Context of Rural Australia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Grattidge Laura , Hoang Ha , Mond Jonathan , Lees David , Visentin Denis , Auckland Stuart
Published: February 2023

Suicide rates in rural communities are higher than in urban areas, and communities play a crucial role in suicide prevention. This study explores community-based suicide prevention using a qualitative research design. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups asked participants to explore community-based suicide prevention in the context of rural Australia. Participants recruited ((n = 37; ages 29–72, Mean = 46, SD = 9.56); female 62.2%; lived experience 48.6%) were self-identified experts, working in rural community-based suicide prevention (community services, program providers, research, and policy development) around Australia. Data were thematically analysed, identifying three themes relating to community-based suicide prevention: (i) Community led initiatives; (ii) Meeting community needs; and (iii) Programs to improve health and suicidality. Implementing community-based suicide prevention needs community-level engagement and partnerships, including with community leaders; gatekeepers; community members; people with lived experience; services; and professionals, to “get stuff done”. Available resources and social capital are utilised, with co-created interventions reflecting diverse lifestyles, beliefs, norms, and cultures. The definition of “community”, community needs, issues, and solutions need to be identified by communities themselves. Primarily non-clinical programs address determinants of health and suicidality and increase community awareness of suicide and its prevention, and the capacity to recognise and support people at risk. This study shows how community-based suicide prevention presents as a social innovation approach, seeing suicide as a social phenomenon, with community-based programs as the potential driver of social change, equipping communities with the “know how” to implement, monitor, and adjust community-based programs to fit community needs.
Future Swedish 3D City Models—Specifications, Test Data, and Evaluation
Authors: Uggla Maria , Olsson Perola , Abdi Barzan , Axelsson Björn , Calvert Matthew , Christensen Ulrika , Gardevärn Daniel , Hirsch Gabriel , Jeansson Eric , Kadric Zuhret , Lord Jonas , Loreman Axel , Persson Andreas , Setterby Ola , Sjöberger Maria , Stewart Paul , Rudenå Andreas , Ahlström Andreas , Bauner Mikael , Hartman Kendall , Pantazatou Karolina , Liu Wenjing , Fan Hongchao , Kong Gefei , Li Hang , Harrie Lars
Published: February 2023

Three-dimensional city models are increasingly being used for analyses and simulations. To enable such applications, it is necessary to standardise semantically richer city models and, in some cases, to connect the models with external data sources. In this study, we describe the development of a new Swedish specification for 3D city models, denoted as 3CIM, which is a joint effort between the three largest cities in Sweden—Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Technically, 3CIM is an extension of the OGC standard CityGML 2.0, implemented as an application domain extension (ADE). The ADE is semantically thin, mainly extending CityGML 2.0 to harmonise with national standards; in contrast, 3CIM is mainly based on linkages to external databases, registers, and operational systems for the semantic part. The current version, 3CIM 1.0, includes various themes, including Bridge, Building, Utility, City Furniture, Transportation, Tunnel, Vegetation, and Water. Three test areas were created with 3CIM data, one in each city. These data were evaluated in several use-cases, including visualisation as well as daylight, noise, and flooding simulations. The conclusion from these use-cases is that the 3CIM data, together with the linked external data sources, allow for the inclusion of the necessary information for the visualisation and simulations, but extract, transform, and load (ETL) processes are required to tailor the input data. The next step is to implement 3CIM within the three cities, which will entail several challenges, as discussed at the end of the paper.
Portable Alkaline Phosphatase–Hydrogel Platform: From Enzyme Characterization to Phosphate Sensing
Authors: Alacid Yolanda , Martínez-Tomé María José , Esquembre Rocío , Herrero M. Antonia , Mateo C. Reyes
Published: February 2023

Here, we present a study on the incorporation and characterization of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) into a three-dimensional polymeric network through a green protocol to obtain transparent hydrogels (ALP@AETA) that can be stored at room temperature and potentially used as a disposable biosensor platform for the rapid detection of ALP inhibitors. For this purpose, different strategies for the immobilization of ALP in the hydrogel were examined and the properties of the new material, compared to the hydrogel in the absence of enzyme, were studied. The conformation and stability of the immobilized enzyme were characterized by monitoring the changes in its intrinsic fluorescence as a function of temperature, in order to study the unfolding/folding process inside the hydrogel, inherently related to the enzyme activity. The results show that the immobilized enzyme retains its activity, slightly increases its thermal stability and can be stored as a xerogel at room temperature without losing its properties. A small portion of a few millimeters of ALP@AETA xerogel was sufficient to perform enzymatic activity inhibition assays, so as a proof of concept, the device was tested as a portable optical biosensor for the detection of phosphate in water with satisfactory results. Given the good stability of the ALP@AETA xerogel and the interesting applications of ALP, not only in the environmental field but also as a therapeutic enzyme, we believe that this study could be of great use for the development of new devices for sensing and protein delivery.
Fusion of Wild-Type Mesoangioblasts with Myotubes of mtDNA Mutation Carriers Leads to a Proportional Reduction in mtDNA Mutation Load
Authors: Zelissen Ruby , Ahmadian Somaieh , Montilla-Rojo Joaquin , Timmer Erika , Ummelen Monique , Hopman Anton , Smeets Hubert , van Tienen Florence
Published: February 2023

In 25% of patients with mitochondrial myopathies, pathogenic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation are the cause. For heteroplasmic mtDNA mutations, symptoms manifest when the mutation load exceeds a tissue-specific threshold. Therefore, lowering the mutation load is expected to ameliorate disease manifestations. This can be achieved by fusing wild-type mesoangioblasts with mtDNA mutant myotubes. We have tested this in vitro for female carriers of the m.3271T>C or m.3291T>C mutation (mutation load >90%) using wild-type male mesoangioblasts. Individual fused myotubes were collected by a newly-developed laser capture microdissection (LCM) protocol, visualized by immunostaining using an anti-myosin antibody. Fusion rates were determined based on male-female nuclei ratios by fluorescently labelling the Y-chromosome. Using combined ‘wet’ and ‘air dried’ LCM imaging improved fluorescence imaging quality and cell yield. Wild-type mesoangioblasts fused in different ratios with myotubes containing either the m.3271T>C or the m.3291T>C mutation. This resulted in the reduction of the mtDNA mutation load proportional to the number of fused wild-type mesoangioblasts for both mtDNA mutations. The proportional reduction in mtDNA mutation load in vitro after fusion is promising in the context of muscle stem cell therapy for mtDNA mutation carriers in vivo, in which we propose the same strategy using autologous wild-type mesoangioblasts.