bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wind Turbine Blade Design Optimization for Reduced LCoE, Focusing on Design-Driving Loads Due to Storm Conditions
Authors: Serafeim Giannis , Manolas Dimitris , Riziotis Vasilis , Chaviaropoulos Panagiotis
Published: August 2022

Design modifications of the blade inner structure, targeted at reducing design-driving extreme loads due to storm conditions, are assessed in the present paper. Under survival wind speeds, the lack of sufficient aerodynamic damping in the edgewise direction is responsible for excessive stall-induced vibrations that usually drive wind turbine blade design loads. The modifications considered in the work are (i) a non-symmetric increase in the thickness of the uniaxial and tri-axial material on the suction and pressure side of the blade sections, (ii) a shift in the spar caps in opposite directions and (iii) the ply-angle re-orientation of the laminates on the spar caps. The first two design interventions aim at increasing the damping of the low-damped edgewise modes in the idling rotor, while the third aims at reducing the fatigue and ultimate loads in normal operation. The design parameters in the problem are determined on the basis of a multidisciplinary optimization (MDAO) process, which minimizes the levelized cost of energy (LCoE). The in-house integrated optimization tool employed in the present study combines: (i) a servo-aero-elastic analysis tool for calculating ultimate loads and power yield, (ii) a cross-sectional analysis tool for obtaining structural properties and stress distributions in the modified blades and (iii) a cost model of the overall wind turbine to evaluate the LCoE.
Measuring Price Risk Aversion through Indirect Utility Functions: A Laboratory Experiment
Authors: Zeytoon-Nejad Ali
Published: August 2022

The present paper introduces a theoretical framework through which the degree of risk aversion with respect uncertain prices can be measured through the context of the indirect utility function (IUF) using a lab experiment. First, the paper introduces the main elements of the duality theory (DT) in economics. Next, it proposes the context of IUFs as a suitable framework for measuring price risk aversion through varying prices as opposed to varying payoffs, which has been common practice in the mainstream of experimental economics. Indeed, the DT in modern microeconomics indicates that the direct utility function (DUF) and the IUF are dual to each other, implicitly suggesting that the degree of risk aversion (or risk seeking) that a given rational subject exhibits in the context of the DUF must be equivalent to the degree of risk aversion (or risk seeking) elicited through the context of the IUF. This paper tests the accuracy of this theoretical prediction through a lab experiment using a series of relevant statistical tests. This study uses the multiple price list (MPL) method, which has been one of the most popular sets of elicitation procedures in experimental economics to study risk preferences in the experimental laboratory using non-interactive settings. The key findings of this study indicate that price risk aversion (PrRA) is statistically significantly greater than payoff risk aversion (PaRA). Additionally, it is shown that the risk preferences elicited under the expected utility theory (EUT) are somewhat subject to context. Other findings imply that the risk premium (RP), as a measure of willingness to pay for insuring an uncertain situation, is statistically significantly greater for stochastic prices compared to that for stochastic payoffs. These results are robust across different MPL designs and various statistical tests that are utilized.
Design of Economical and Achievable Aluminum Carbon Composite Aerogel for Efficient Thermal Protection of Aerospace
Authors: Lv Yumei , He Fei , Dai Wei , Ma Yulong , Liu Taolue , Liu Yifei , Wang Jianhua
Published: August 2022

Insulation materials play an extremely important role in the thermal protection of aerospace vehicles. Here, aluminum carbon aerogels (AlCAs) are designed for the thermal protection of aerospace. Taking AlCA with a carbonization temperature of 800 °C (AlCA–800) as an example, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show an integrated three-dimensional porous frame structure in AlCA–800. In addition, the thermogravimetric test (TGA) reveals that the weight loss of AlCA–800 is only ca. 10%, confirming its desirable thermal stability. Moreover, the thermal conductivity of AlCA–800 ranges from 0.018 W m−1 K−1 to 0.041 W m−1 K−1, revealing an enormous potential for heat insulation applications. In addition, ANSYS numerical simulations are carried out on a composite structure to forecast the thermal protection ability of AlCA–800 acting as a thermal protection layer. The results uncover that the thermal protective performance of the AlCA–800 layer is outstanding, causing a 1185 K temperature drop of the structure surface that is exposed to a heat environment for ten minutes. Briefly, this work unveils a rational fabrication of the aluminum carbon composite aerogel and paves a new way for the efficient thermal protection materials of aerospace via the simple and economical design of the aluminum carbon aerogels under the guidance of ANSYS numerical simulation.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of SPL Family Genes in Chenopodium quinoa
Authors: Zhao Hongmei , Cao Huaqi , Zhang Mian , Deng Sufang , Li Tingting , Xing Shuping
Published: August 2022

SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) genes encode a large family of plant-specific transcription factors that play important roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, there is little information available on SPL genes in Chenopodiaceae. Here, 23 SPL genes were identified and characterized in the highly nutritious crop Chenopodium quinoa. Chromosome localization analysis indicated that the 23 CqSPL genes were unevenly distributed on 12 of 18 chromosomes. Two zinc finger-like structures and a nuclear location signal were present in the SBP domains of all CqSPLs, with the exception of CqSPL21/22. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these genes were classified into eight groups (group I–VIII). The exon–intron structure and motif composition of the genes in each group were similar. Of the 23 CqSPLs, 13 were potential targets of miR156/7. In addition, 5 putative miR156-encoding loci and 13 putative miR157-encoding loci were predicted in the quinoa genome, and they were unevenly distributed on chromosome 1–4. The expression of several Cqu-MIR156/7 loci was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in seedlings. Many putative cis-elements associated with light, stress, and phytohormone responses were identified in the promoter regions of CqSPLs, suggesting that CqSPL genes are likely involved in the regulation of key developmental processes and stress responses. Expression analysis revealed highly diverse expression patterns of CqSPLs among tissues. Many CqSPLs were highly expressed in leaves, flowers, and seeds, and their expression levels were low in the roots, suggesting that CqSPLs play distinct roles in the development and growth of quinoa. The expression of 13 of 23 CqSPL genes responded to salt treatment (11 up-regulated and 2 down-regulated). A total of 22 of 23 CqSPL genes responded to drought stress (21 up-regulated and 1 down-regulated). Moreover, the expression of 14 CqSPL genes was significantly altered following cadmium treatment (3 up-regulated and 11 down-regulated). CqSPL genes are thus involved in quinoa responses to salt/drought and cadmium stresses. These findings provide new insights that will aid future studies of the biological functions of CqSPLs in C. quinoa.
Molecular Dynamic Simulation Reveals Structure Differences in APOL1 Variants and Implication in Pathogenesis of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Mayanja Richard , Kintu Christopher , Diabate Oudou , Soremekun Opeyemi , Oluwagbemi Olugbenga Oluseun , Wele Mamadou , Kalyesubula Robert , Jjingo Daudi , Chikowore Tinashe , Fatumo Segun
Published: August 2022

Background: According to observational studies, two polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) gene have been linked to an increased risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Africans. One polymorphism involves the substitution of two amino-acid residues (S342G and I384M; known as G1), while the other involves the deletion of two amino-acid residues in a row (N388 and Y389; termed G2). Despite the strong link between APOL1 polymorphisms and kidney disease, the molecular mechanisms via which these APOL1 mutations influence the onset and progression of CKD remain unknown. Methods: To predict the active site and allosteric site on the APOL1 protein, we used the Computed Atlas of Surface Topography of Proteins (CASTp) and the Protein Allosteric Sites Server (PASSer). Using an extended molecular dynamics simulation, we investigated the characteristic structural perturbations in the 3D structures of APOL1 variants. Results: According to CASTp’s active site characterization, the topmost predicted site had a surface area of 964.892 Å2 and a pocket volume of 900.792 Å3. For the top three allosteric pockets, the allostery probability was 52.44%, 46.30%, and 38.50%, respectively. The systems reached equilibrium in about 125 ns. From 0–100 ns, there was also significant structural instability. When compared to G1 and G2, the wildtype protein (G0) had overall high stability throughout the simulation. The root-mean-square fluctuation (RMSF) of wildtype and variant protein backbone Cα fluctuations revealed that the Cα of the variants had a large structural fluctuation when compared to the wildtype. Conclusion: Using a combination of different computational techniques, we identified binding sites within the APOL1 protein that could be an attractive site for potential inhibitors of APOL1. Furthermore, the G1 and G2 mutations reduced the structural stability of APOL1.
Exalting Negro Womanhood: Black Women Poets and Harlem Renaissance Magazines
Authors: Mix Deborah M.
Published: August 2022

New Negro magazines such as The Messenger, Opportunity, and The Crisis regularly featured photographs and short descriptions of Black women designed to highlight their role as both moral centers and aspirational figures. These images tended to imply that the ideal New Negro woman would challenge racist stereotypes of Black women not only through her behavior but also through her looks. For instance, a feature in the January 1924 issue of The Messenger called “Exalting Negro Womanhood” seeks to counter the overrepresentation of “[t]he buffoon, the clown, the criminal Negro” in white media with portraits of Black “achievement, culture, refinement, beauty, genius, and talent”. But of the twenty women featured in the centerfold of photographs, all are light skinned. Importantly, however, Black women poets of the era, including Gwendolyn B. Bennett, Gladys May Casely-Hayford, Anita Scott Coleman, Jessie Fauset, Angelina Weld Grimké, Helene Johnson, Anne Spencer, and Octavia B. Wynbush, provide a counter to this coding of light skin as desirable through poems that emphasize the beauty of dark-skinned bodies. This essay places their poetry alongside the visuals of the New Negro movement and the larger white supremacist culture of the 1920s. In poems such as Bennett’s “To a Dark Girl”, Grimké’s “The Black Hand”, Johnson’s “Poem”, and Spencer’s “Lady, Lady”, an emphasis on beautiful and powerful Blackness provides a steady counterpoint to the prevailing color standards surrounding Black female beauty and respectability.
Sasang Constitution May Act as a Risk Factor for Depressive Symptoms—A Survey for Local Residence
Authors: Kim Yunyoung , Jang Eunsu
Published: August 2022

This study investigated whether a person’s Sasang constitution (SC) could be a risk factor for depressive symptoms. We classified the SC of 653 participants into Taeeumin (TE), Soeumin (SE), and Soyangin (SY), using the KS–15 questionnaire. We also categorized them into depressive and non-depressive symptom groups using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale questionnaire. A t-test and chi-square test were used to compare the general characteristics of the depressive and non-depressive symptom groups. A one-way analysis of variance compared the scores of depressive symptoms according to SC, and a multiple logistic regression obtained the odds ratios (ORs); p < 0.05. The depressive symptom score for SE (13.6 ± 9.97) was significantly higher than that for SY (9.2 ± 6.51) and TE (10.8 ± 7.70; p < 0.001; SE > TE, SY, Scheffé). SE was associated with an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms compared with SY (OR: 2.315; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.389–3.860, p < 0.01) and TE (OR: 1.660; 95% CI: 1.076–2.561, p < 0.05), as well as an increased prevalence of depressive symptoms compared with SY (OR: 2.907; 95% CI: 1.379–6.144, p < 0.01) after adjusting for average height and distribution of living with family, medication, and drinking. This study reveals that SC, particularly SE, could be significantly associated with and be considered a risk factor for depressive symptoms.
Metabolite Analysis of Lettuce in Response to Sulfur Nutrition
Authors: Chung Jung-Sung , Kim Hyeong-Cheol , Yun Su-Min , Kim Hyun-Jin , Kim Cheol-Soo , Lee Jeung-Joo
Published: August 2022

Sulfur is an essential nutrient required for plant growth and metabolism, and plays an important role in relieving stress. Nutrient deficiency is one of the main factors that negatively affect crop growth, quality, and yield. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of sulfur nutrients on the growth and metabolites of lettuce after treatment with two different sulfur concentrations (16 μM and 2 mM) in spray hydroponics. The fresh weight, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content of lettuce leaves were analyzed. Root morphology was examined using the WinRHIZO program. Metabolites were comparatively evaluated with the help of LC-MS and GC-MS. The fresh weight, chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents of lettuce were higher in the high concentration sulfur treatment group than in the low concentration sulfur treatment group. In the characteristics analysis of the lettuce roots, treatment with a high concentration of sulfur had a more positive effect on the lettuce root development than treatment with a low concentration of sulfur. Moreover, mass-based metabolomics analysis showed that the lettuce metabolites content was significantly different according to low- and high-concentration sulfur treatments. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of sulfur nutrient content in lettuce growth and metabolites.
Content Validity of a Scale Designed to Measure the Access of Older Adults to Outpatient Health Services
Authors: Santoyo-Sánchez Gerardo , Merino-Soto César , Flores-Hernández Sergio , Pelcastre-Villafuerte Blanca Estela , Reyes-Morales Hortensia
Published: August 2022

The objective of this work was to validate the content of a scale formulated in Spanish for older adults in Mexico, with the aim of comprehensively measuring the access of this population group to outpatient primary-care services. To this end, we carried out a methodological content-validity study in four stages: (1) construction of the scale; (2) evaluation of item legibility; (3) quantitative content evaluation by two groups of judges selected by convenience: participant-judges including older adults with adequate reading comprehension, surveyed in person (n = 23), and expert-judges comprised of researchers specialized in the fields of health services, psychometrics and aging, surveyed online (n = 7); and (4) collection of qualitative feedback from several of the participant-judges (older adults, n = 4). The content was validated both by sequentially examining the level of consensus in the responses of both groups of judges, using the Tastle and Wierman method, and by calculating Aiken’s Validity Coefficient with a 90% confidence interval. The scale contained 65 items pertaining to 10 dimensions of two major constructs: accessibility (n = 39) and personal abilities (n = 26). Five items were eliminated in accordance with the minimum-consensus criterion (0.5). This is the first psychometric scale to be developed in Mexico with the view of integrating the characteristics of health-care services and the abilities of the older adults in a single questionnaire designed to measure the access of this population group to outpatient primary-care services.
Psychosocial Wellbeing of Schoolchildren during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Berlin, Germany, June 2020 to March 2021
Authors: Theuring Stefanie , van Loon Welmoed , Hommes Franziska , Bethke Norma , Mall Marcus A. , Kurth Tobias , Seybold Joachim , Mockenhaupt Frank P.
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions have affected the wellbeing of schoolchildren worldwide, but the extent and duration of specific problems are still not completely understood. We aimed to describe students’ psychosocial and behavioral parameters and associated factors during the COVID-19 pandemic in Berlin, Germany. Our longitudinal study included 384 students from 24 randomly selected Berlin primary and secondary schools, assessing psychosocial wellbeing at four time points between June 2020 and March 2021. We analyzed temporal changes in the proportions of anxiety, fear of infection, reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical activity and social contacts, as well as sociodemographic and economic factors associated with anxiety, fear of infection and HRQoL. During the observation period, the presence of anxiety symptoms increased from 26.2% (96/367) to 34.6% (62/179), and fear of infection from 28.6% (108/377) to 40.6% (73/180). The proportion of children with limited social contacts (<1/week) increased from 16.4% (61/373) to 23.5% (42/179). Low physical activity (<3 times sports/week) was consistent over time. Low HRQoL was observed among 44% (77/174) of children. Factors associated with anxiety were female sex, increasing age, secondary school attendance, lower household income, and the presence of adults with anxiety symptoms in the student´s household. Fear of infection and low HRQoL were associated with anxiety. A substantial proportion of schoolchildren experienced unfavorable psychosocial conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020/2021. Students from households with limited social and financial resilience require special attention.
Psychometric Properties of the WHO-5 Well-Being Index among Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study in Three Countries
Authors: Lara-Cabrera Mariela , Betancort Moisés , Muñoz-Rubilar Amparo , Rodríguez-Novo Natalia , Bjerkeset Ottar , De las Cuevas Carlos
Published: August 2022

Nurses’ well-being has been increasingly recognised due to the ongoing pandemic. However, no validation scales measuring nurses’ well-being currently exist. Thus, we aimed to validate the WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5) in a sample of nurses. A cross-sectional multinational study was conducted, and a total of 678 nurses who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain (36.9%), Chile (40.0%) and Norway (23.1%) participated in this study. The nurses completed the WHO-5, the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 (GAD-2) and three questions about the quality of life (QoL). The WHO-5 demonstrated good reliability and validity in the three countries. Cronbach’s alphas ranged from 0.81 to 0.90. High correlations were found between the WHO-5 and the psychological well-being dimension of QoL, and negative correlations between the WHO-5 and PHQ-2. The unidimensional scale structure was confirmed in all the countries, explaining more than 68% of the variance. The item response theory likelihood ratio model did not show discernible differences in the WHO-5 across the countries. To conclude, the WHO-5 is a psychometrically sound scale for measuring nurses’ well-being during a pandemic. The scale showed strong construct validity for cross-cultural comparisons; however, more research is required with larger sample sizes.
Use of Observational Learning to Promote Motor Skill Learning in Physical Education: A Systematic Review
Authors: Han Yankun , Syed Ali Syed Kamaruzaman Bin , Ji Lifu
Published: August 2022

Observational learning is an effective pedagogical approach that can influence students’ motor skill development at every level of physical education (PE). This study aimed to systematically summarize the evidence on observational learning for motor skill learning in PE and to generalize the evidence on the effect of model formats and verbal cues during observational learning. An electronic search of eight databases was conducted. Eighteen studies were included and their methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. Best evidence synthesis (BES) was used to assess levels of evidence. Strong evidence supported the effect of observational learning on students’ motor skill learning compared to students who did not participate in observational learning. Moderate evidence suggested that there is no significant difference in the effectiveness of observing an expert model compared to a self-model. Conflicting evidence was identified for the effect of the presence of verbal cues compared to the absence of verbal cues during observational learning. The results suggest that observational learning is useful for students’ motor skill learning in PE. Given the influences of potential factors, we recommend that future studies investigate how observational learning interacts with verbal cues on students’ motor skill learning.
Early Postnatal Outcome and Care after in Utero Exposure to Lithium: A Single Center Analysis of a Belgian Tertiary University Hospital
Authors: Torfs Marlien , Hompes Titia , Ceulemans Michael , Van Calsteren Kristel , Vanhole Christine , Smits Anne
Published: August 2022

Knowledge of the impact of in utero exposure to lithium during the postnatal period is limited. Besides a possible teratogenic effect during the first trimester, exposure during the second and third trimesters might lead to neonatal effects. Uniform guidelines for postnatal management of these neonates are lacking. The aim was to retrospectively describe all neonates admitted to the University Hospitals Leuven after in utero exposure to lithium (January 2010 to April 2020), and to propose a postnatal care protocol. Descriptive statistics were performed. For continuous parameters with serial measurements, median population values were calculated. In total, 10 mother-neonate pairs were included. The median gestational age was 37 (interquartile range, IQR, 36–39) weeks. Neonatal plasma lithium concentration at birth was 0.65 (IQR 0.56–0.83) mmol/L with a median neonate/mother ratio of 1.02 (IQR 0.87–1.08). Three neonates needed respiratory support, 7/10 started full enteral (formula) feeding on day 1. The median length of neonatal stay was 8.5 (IQR 8–12) days. One neonate developed nephrogenic diabetes insipidus. This study reported in detail the postnatal characteristics and short-term neonatal outcomes. A postnatal care protocol was proposed, to enhance the quality of care for future neonates, and to guide parental counselling. Future prospective protocol evaluation is needed.
Contributing Factors in Whether Displaced Households Want to Receive Humanitarian Information from Humanitarian Actors: Iraq Multi-Cluster Needs Assessment
Authors: Noh Jin-Won , Cheon Jooyoung , Kim Kyoung-Beom , Song Si Eun , Cha Jiho , Kwon Young Dae
Published: August 2022

Due to political conflict, insurgency, and the COVID-19, the number of displaced households in need of humanitarian support in Iraq has increased. This study investigated factors related to desire of displaced households to receive humanitarian information. Data from the eighth round of the Iraq Multi-Cluster Needs Assessment was used. We classified the household displacement status, identifying levels and types of humanitarian information that the households sought, together with whether the households were impacted by COVID-19. We identified safety and security, housing, water and electricity services, education, health care, and levels of humanitarian assistance resulted in significant differences between internally displaced person (IDP) and returnee households in terms of interest in receiving humanitarian information. The desire to receive humanitarian information was related to whether household members were unemployed due to COVID-19, displacement status, and walking time to reach the nearest health care facility and marketplace. Returnees and IDPs in Iraq are facing a new crisis. Their individual, structural, and environmental vulnerabilities are increasing commensurately. New strategies such as strategies using online or mobile communication that provide humanitarian information are needed to provide humanitarian information to vulnerable groups such as those who have lost jobs due to COVID-19, female heads of households, and those with health problems. In addition to traditional cash and voucher support, the use of the latest technologies such as smartphones and mobile clinics in humanitarian settings would be new strategies.
Research on Rural Landscape Preference Based on TikTok Short Video Content and User Comments
Authors: Chen Hao , Wang Min , Zhang Zhen
Published: August 2022

Landscape is the visual embodiment of the human–environment relationship. It is an important field for understanding and shaping the relationship between human society and the environment, and it is also the focus of multidisciplinary attention. Rural landscape construction is of great significance to the development of rural tourism and rural revitalization. The results and preferences from landscape evaluation are an important basis for landscape construction. This paper selected 222 rural landscape short video works published on the TikTok short video platform; extracted the basic elements of rural landscapes using video content analysis and according to grounded theory; condensed 32 basic categories and 12 main categories; and formed a rural landscape system composed of three core categories: rural ecological, living, and productive landscapes. The short video user comment data were mined using ROST CM6 software, to analyze the rural landscape preferences of video viewers. The results showed that the short video users had a high overall evaluation of rural landscapes, but there were differences among the three core rural landscape preference categories. Users had a high preference for the architectural landscape and ecological landscape in the rural lifestyle landscape but raised concerns about the impact of disharmonious infrastructure and service facilities, existing security risks, and environmental health on the rural landscape. This paper suggests that we should pay attention to the construction of rural artistic conceptions and the expression of nostalgia, enhance experiences to enhance perception, and strengthen the protection of natural and cultural landscapes.
Young Single Widow, Dynamics of In-Laws Interference and Coping Mechanisms: Simplicity–Parsimony Approach
Authors: Amoo Emmanuel O. , Adekola Paul O. , Adesina Evaristus , Adekeye Olujide A. , Onayemi Oluwakemi O. , Gberevbie Marvellous A.
Published: August 2022

The incidence of short marital duration due to the demise of a husband that often exposes young widows to in-laws’ exploitation of the asset of the deceased spouses, without regard for negative health consequences and potential vulnerability to poverty has not been exhaustively investigated, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where 16% of adult women are widows. The study examined the coping mechanisms among the young widow (aged ≤ 40) who have experienced short conjugal relationships (≤5 years) and burdensome from in-laws. The research design followed a qualitative approach with the aid of semi-structured in-depth interviews among 13 young widows selected through snowballing and informant-led approaches in the purposively selected communities. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics and a thematic approach. The findings, among others, shows the median age of young widow as 29 years. All participants, except one, have faced exploitation from their in-laws over their husbands’ assets. All the participants desired to re-marry in order to: have a father figure for their children, have their own children or have more children. There is an absence of government support, but a few have received support from religious organisations. The author proposed attitudinal-change campaigns targeting the in-laws through accessible media and legislature that could challenge the exploitation of widows and unhealthy widowhood rites.
Evolution and Driving Factors of the Spatiotemporal Pattern of Tourism Efficiency at the Provincial Level in China Based on SBM–DEA Model
Authors: Gao Junli , Shao Chaofeng , Chen Sihan
Published: August 2022

In order to give guidance to improve tourism competitiveness and sustainable development, it is particularly important to identify and analyze the factors and mechanisms that affect efficiency. The SBM–DEA model including undesirable outputs was used to measure the tourism efficiency of 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2019. Combined with the compound DEA model, the sensitivity of each province to the fluctuation of the input–output index was mined. The exploratory spatial analysis method and fixed effect model were used to analyze the spatial change and driving factors of tourism efficiency. The results show that: (1) the tourism efficiency of each province in China fluctuated from 2006 to 2019, and the average value was raised from 0.12 to 0.71, generally reaching the grade of medium and high efficiency; (2) the spatial difference of tourism efficiency is significant, but there is no obvious spatial correlation; (3) the most important input factors to tourism efficiency are environmental resources, tourism resource inputs and tourism infrastructure construction, and tourism fixed asset investment is redundant. (4) Optimizing the industrial structure, strengthening the introduction of core technology, and continuously promoting the process of urbanization and marketization are important ways to improve the efficiency of tourism.
Trends and Impact Factors of Mental Health Service Utilization among Resettled Humanitarian Migrants in Australia: Findings from the BNLA Cohort Study
Authors: Zheng Meng , Chen Feng , Pan Yan , Kong Di , Renzaho Andre M. N. , Sahle Berhe W. , Mahumud Rashidul Alam , Ling Li , Chen Wen
Published: August 2022

Resettled humanitarian migrants (HMs) have high levels of mental disorders, but factors associated with the utilization of mental health services (MHS) are poorly understood. We aimed to explore trends and impact factors of MHS utilization among HMs in the process of resettlement in Australia. A total of 2311 HMs from the 1st (2013), 3rd, and 5th (2018) waves of a national cohort study were included. MHS utilization in the past year was assessed by two indicators: having MHS contacts and the frequency of MHS contacts. Trends were identified by Cochran–Armitage tests, and generalized linear mixed models and ordered logistic models were fitted to explore impact factors of MHS utilization. The proportion of having MHS contacts significantly rose from 13.0% to 29.4% over the five years. MHS utilization was mainly driven by perceived needs, such as post-traumatic stress disorders and the degree of post-migration stress. Unemployment and strong belongingness to the local community were also associated with having MHS contacts. No significant gender difference was found in having MHS contacts but females tended to contact MHS more frequently. Resettled HMs have a persistent dilemma of high mental illness prevalence and MHS underutilization. Sustainable mental health education and long-term resettlement services targeted at social integration that consider gender difference are urgently needed in host countries.
Influence of Serum Vitamin D Levels on Survival Rate and Marginal Bone Loss in Dental Implants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bazal-Bonelli Santiago , Sánchez-Labrador Luis , Cortés-Bretón Brinkmann Jorge , Cobo-Vázquez Carlos , Martínez-Rodríguez Natalia , Beca-Campoy Tomás , Santos-Marino Juan , Rodríguez-Fernández Emilio , Alvarado-Lorenzo Mario
Published: August 2022

This systematic literature review set out to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and dental implants in terms of survival rates, marginal bone loss, and associated complications. The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, performing an electronic search in four databases (Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus), complemented by a manual search up to April 2022. Four articles were selected for analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale tool was used to assess the quality of evidence of cohort studies, and the Cochrane bias assessment tool was used to assess the quality of evidence of randomized clinical trials. The study included 1089 patients restored with 1984 dental implants, with follow-up periods ranging from 20–240 months. Cases presenting lower serum vitamin D levels obtained slightly worse results in terms of marginal bone loss. Longer follow-up periods are needed in order to determine whether serum vitamin D levels affect implant survival rates and osseointegration over time.
South African Healthcare Professionals’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Lister Helga E. , Mostert Karien , Botha Tanita , van der Linde Simoné , van Wyk Elaine , Rocher Su-Ané , Laing Richelle , Wu Lucy , Müller Selma , des Tombe Alexander , Kganyago Tebogo , Zwane Nonhlanhla , Mphogo Boitumelo , Maric Filip
Published: August 2022

Climate change, biodiversity loss and large-scale environmental degradation are widely recognized as the biggest health threats of the 21st century, with the African continent already amongst the most severely affected and vulnerable to their further progression. The healthcare system’s contribution to climate change and environmental degradation requires healthcare professionals to address environmental issues urgently. However, the foundation for context-relevant interventions across research, practice, and education is not readily available. Therefore, we conducted a convergent mixed-methods study to investigate South African healthcare professionals’ knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers to environmental sustainability. Healthcare professionals participated in a cross-sectional questionnaire (n = 100) and in-depth semi-structured focus group discussions (n = 18). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively, and integrated to provide holistic findings. Our results confirm overwhelmingly positive attitudes and a high degree of interest in education, implementation, and taking on more corresponding responsibility, but a lack of substantial knowledge of the subject matter, and only tentative implementation of practices. Identified barriers include a lack of knowledge, resources, and policies. Further research, education, and policy development on overcoming these barriers is required. This will facilitate harnessing the extant enthusiasm and advance environmental sustainability in South Africa’s healthcare practice.
Characteristics and Risk Factors for Electric Scooter-Related Crashes and Injury Crashes among Scooter Riders: A Two-Phase Survey Study
Authors: Tian Disi , Ryan Andrew D. , Craig Curtis M. , Sievert Kelsey , Morris Nichole L.
Published: August 2022

Electric scooters (or e-scooters) are among the most popular micromobility options that have experienced an enormous expansion in urban transportation systems across the world in recent years. Along with the increased usage of e-scooters, the increasing number of e-scooter-related injuries has also become an emerging global public health concern. However, little is known regarding the risk factors for e-scooter-related crashes and injury crashes. This study consisted of a two-phase survey questionnaire administered to a cohort of e-scooter riders (n = 210), which obtained exposure information on riders’ demographics, riding behaviors (including infrastructure selection), helmet use, and other crash-related factors. The risk ratios of riders’ self-reported involvement in an e-scooter-related crash (i.e., any crash versus no crash) and injury crash (i.e., injury crash versus non-injury crash) were estimated across exposure subcategories using the Negative Binomial regression approach. Males and frequent users of e-scooters were associated with an increased risk of e-scooter-related crashes of any type. For the e-scooter-related injury crashes, more frequently riding on bike lanes (i.e., greater than 25% of the time), either protected or unprotected, was identified as a protective factor. E-scooter-related injury crashes were more likely to occur among females, who reported riding on sidewalks and non-paved surfaces more frequently. The study may help inform public policy regarding e-scooter legislation and prioritize efforts to establish suitable road infrastructure for improved e-scooter riding safety.
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates: Attitudes and Effects on Holdouts in a Large Australian University Population
Authors: Attwell Katie , Roberts Leah , Ji Julie
Published: August 2022

Many governments and institutions mandated COVID-19 vaccines. In late 2021, we sought to ascertain the perspectives of staff and students from The University of Western Australia about the State or the University mandating COVID-19 vaccines. The survey captured vaccination status and intentions along with attitudes towards mandates and potential types of exemptions with 2878 valid responses which were quantitatively analysed and 2727 which were qualitatively analysed. The study found generally high levels of vaccination or intent, and strong support for mandates, underpinned by beliefs that vaccination is a moral duty and that mandates make campus feel safer. These sentiments were not more prevalent amongst individuals with comorbidities; often healthy individuals supported mandates to reduce their risk of transmitting disease to vulnerable family members. Individuals with comorbidities were, however, more supportive of excluding the unvaccinated from campus. Most opponents were unvaccinated, and many indicated that mandate policies would backfire, making them less likely to vaccinate. Despite the strong overall support, 41% of respondents did not want to see non-compliant staff or students lose their positions, and only 35% actively sought this. Institutions or governments introducing mandates should emphasise community concerns about catching COVID-19 and becoming sick or transmitting the disease to vulnerable loved ones.
The Relationships between Psychological Well-Being, Emotions and Coping in COVID-19 Environment: The Gender Aspect for Postgraduate Students
Authors: Sipaviciene Saule
Published: August 2022

Background: Postgraduate students were exposed to the Coronavirus pandemic, and their study process changed from face-to-face to online. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of gender differences on emotions, coping strategies and psychological well-being (PWB) in the environment of the Coronavirus pandemic second wave (11 July 2020–30 June 2021). Methods: Ryff scale, MEQ Multidimensional emotion questionnaire, and brief COPE scale. The participants’ consisted of postgraduate students (74 female and 54 male). The study was conducted from 21 June 2022 to 28 June 2022. Results: Postgraduate students rated their PWB levels insignificantly in terms of gender. However, the individual components of this construct were evaluated as being significantly different in terms of gender. Females were more likely to feel negative emotions and had a harder time regulating these emotions than males. Female students were less likely than males to use problem-focused and avoidant-focused coping strategies. Conclusions: Postgraduate females were more affected than males by the Coronavirus pandemic. Females’ PWB was more concerned with emotions than males. Females were less likely than males to use problem-focused coping strategies.
Do the Marital Statuses of Adult Offspring Affect Their Parent’s Mental Health? Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Yumiao , Zang Wenbin
Published: August 2022

Given the aging population, various issues pertaining to the elderly attract attention, including their mental health. Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Survey (CHARLS), and adopting a propensity score matching (PSM) method, this study investigated the impact of offspring’s marital statuses on their elderly parents’ mental health. Parental depression was positively correlated with single and divorced/separated offspring aged 30 and above; this was not the case with widowed children. We then analyzed the heterogeneous influence of offspring’s marital statuses on parents’ mental health based on gender, region, and educational background, further expanding the research.
Perception of the Body Image in Women after Childbirth and the Specific Determinants of Their Eating Behavior: Cross-Sectional Study (Silesia, Poland)
Authors: Grajek Mateusz , Krupa-Kotara Karolina , Grot Martina , Kujawińska Maria , Helisz Paulina , Gwioździk Weronika , Białek-Dratwa Agnieszka , Staśkiewicz Wiktoria , Kobza Joanna
Published: August 2022

Background: Episodes of loss of control over eating during pregnancy affect up to 36% of women during this period. Many women experience natural concerns about weight gain and body-shape changes during pregnancy and the postpartum period, and food cravings and fluctuations in eating patterns during these periods are physiological phenomena. However, pregnancy and the postpartum period may be an additional determinant of eating disorders. Women who perceive their own bodies as significantly deviating from the presented ideal are more likely to experience anxiety/anxiety related to it and also tend to exhibit abnormal eating behaviors. The perception of one’s body figure also plays an important role in maintaining psychological balance Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the perception of body image by postpartum women. The essence of the study was to see if there were psychomarkers associated with lack of control over eating, food restriction, and emotionally motivated eating in the study population. Material and methods: The study was conducted during the fall and winter of 2021. A total of 288 women participated in the study. The age of the subjects ranged from 21 to 45 years. Results: It was found that 198 women (68.8%) were dissatisfied with their current body weight and figure. Respondents with higher post-pregnancy body mass index showed dissatisfaction with their body shape (49.8%; H = 13.042; p = 0.001). Both body satisfaction and BMI level were significant components of the occurrence of pathological phenomena associated with the TFEQ-13 subscales (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Excessive focus on food restriction as well as lack of control over eating had some association with negative self-perception of body image, mainly in the form of body weight dissatisfaction. Eating behaviors showed an association with BMI level and weight satisfaction after pregnancy.
US Adults’ Perceptions of Dog Breed Bans, Dog Aggression and Breed-Specific Laws
Authors: Kogan Lori R. , Packman Wendy , Erdman Phyllis , Currin-McCulloch Jennifer , Bussolari Cori
Published: August 2022

Dog aggression directed towards people is a leading reason for relinquishment and a major public health hazard. In response to the threat of dog aggression and dog bites, breed-specific legislation has been introduced in numerous cities within the United States and countries throughout the world. There is limited evidence, however, to suggest that such laws are effective. This study explored, through an online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey, US residents’ views about the bite risk of common dog breeds, breed-specific legislation, and alternative options for improved public safety. A total of 586 surveys were completed by adult US residents, 48.8% female and 48.6% male. Approximately half of the respondents reported feeling that dog bites are a serious public health issue. Although 70% of respondents were opposed to a breed ban, only 56% felt that banning specific breeds creates an animal welfare issue. Females were less likely to support a ban or agree that specific breed bans improve public safety. When participants were asked to indicate their support of several alternatives to breed-specific legislation, the most frequently endorsed options included public education about animal welfare and animal behavior, and stricter leash laws. Further research pertaining to the most effective public education dissemination methods is warranted.
A Qualitative Content Analysis of Rural and Urban School Students’ Menstruation-Related Questions in Bangladesh
Authors: Mehjabeen Deena , Hunter Erin C. , Mahfuz Mehjabin Tishan , Mobashara Moshammot , Rahman Mahbubur , Sultana Farhana
Published: August 2022

Nearly half of Bangladeshi girls reach menarche without knowledge of menstruation and many fear seeking support due to pervasive menstrual stigma. We aimed to explore the types of menstruation-related information and support adolescent female and male students want but may be uncomfortable verbalising. We installed a locked box in four school classrooms in rural and urban Bangladesh as part of a menstrual hygiene management pilot intervention between August 2017 and April 2018. Trained teachers provided puberty education to female and male students in classes 5–10 (ages 10–17 years) and encouraged students to submit questions anonymously to the boxes if they did not want to ask aloud. We conducted a content analysis of the 374 menstruation-related questions from a total of 834 submissions. Questions regarded experiences of menstrual bleeding (35%); menstrual symptoms and management (32%); menstrual physiology (19%); behavioural prescriptions and proscriptions (6%); concerns over vaginal discharge (4%); and menstrual stigma, fear, and social support (4%). Students wanted to understand the underlying causes of various menstrual experiences, and concern over whether particular experiences are indicative of health problems was pervasive. Ensuring comprehensive school-based menstruation education and strengthening engagement among schools, parents, and healthcare providers is important for improving access to reliable menstrual health information and may relieve adolescents’ concerns over whether their menstrual experiences are ’normal’.
Gout as a Risk Factor for Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Taiwanese Adults—A Population-Based Study in Taiwan
Authors: Hsu Min-Huei , Hsu Chia-An , Lai Shih-Chung , Yen Ju-Chuan
Published: August 2022

The relationship between gout and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) was suggested in previous literature but has yet to be accepted fully among physicians. This study aimed to explore the effect of gout on the development of age-related macular degeneration in Taiwan. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Database that includes a 2-million-persons dataset. The crude hazard ratio, Kaplan–Meier plot, and separate cox proportional hazard ratio were utilized to demonstrate the effect of gout on the development of age-related macular degeneration. The crude hazard ratio for gout patients developing AMD was 1.55 and the adjusted hazard ratio 1.20. In conclusion, gout is a risk factor for developing AMD, and achieving good disease management is therefore essential for preventing AMD from occurring.