bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of RcTINY2 in the Regulation of Drought and Salt Stress Response in Arabidopsis and Rose
Authors: Geng Lifang , Su Lin , Wang Yuan , Geng Ziwen , Lin Shang , Zhang Yichang , Yu Shuang , Fu Lufeng , Liu Qinghua , Cheng Chenxia , Jiang Xinqiang
Published: August 2022

In plants, transcription factors (TFs) belonging to the APETALA2/ethylene responsive factor (AP2/ERF) superfamily regulate a variety of life processes, including germination, maturation, and stress response. In the present study, RcTINY2, a novel dehydration response element binding protein (DREB) belonging to the A-4 group, was identified and characterized in rose (Rosa chinensis). RcTINY2 shares high homology with AtTINY2 of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), with several abiotic stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements. Transcript levels of RcTINY2 were induced by exposure to abscisic acid (ABA) in rose leaves and repressed by exposure to ABA, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and NaCl in rose roots. RcTINY2 is localized in the nucleus and showed transcriptional activation in yeast cells. Further analysis of transgenic Arabidopsis demonstrated that plants overexpressing RcTINY2 displayed increased ABA, PEG, and NaCl sensitivity in both germinating seeds and seedlings with reduced root growth and lateral root number. RcTINY2-silenced rose plants were found to be increasingly intolerant of both drought and salt stress. Furthermore, the transcript levels of several ABA- and abiotic stress-related genes were suppressed in RcTINY2-silenced rose plants. The results suggested that RcTINY2 may serve as a candidate gene for genetic improvement of abiotic stress tolerance in rose and other plant species.
Bio-Circular Perspective of Citrus Fruit Loss Caused by Pathogens: Occurrences, Active Ingredient Recovery and Applications
Authors: Khamsaw Pattarapol , Sangta Jiraporn , Chaiwan Pirawan , Rachtanapun Pornchai , Sirilun Sasithorn , Sringarm Korawan , Thanakkasaranee Sarinthip , Sommano Sarana Rose
Published: August 2022

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) contribute to the improvement of production and consumption systems, hence, assisting in the eradication of hunger and poverty. As a result, there is growing global interest in the direction of economic development to create a zero-waste economy or circular economy. Citrus fruits are a major fruit crop, with annual global production surpassing 100 million tons, while orange and tangerine production alone account for more than half of the overall production. During pre- and postharvest stages of citrus fruit production, it is estimated that more than 20% of fruit biomass is lost, due, primarily, to biotic stresses. This review emphasizes causes of fruit losses by pathogenic caused diseases and proposes a bio-circular perspective in the production of citrus fruits. Due to substantial changes in fruit characteristics and environmental conditions, some of the most economically significant pathogens infect fruits in the field during the growing season and remain dormant or inactive until they resume growth after harvest. Peel biomass is the most significant by-product in citrus fruit production. This biomass is enriched with the value-adding essential oils and polysaccharides. For the complete bio-circular economy, these active ingredients can be utilized as citrus postharvest coating materials based upon their functional properties. The overall outreach of the approach not only reduces the amount of agricultural by-products and develops new applications for the pomology industry, it also promotes bio-circular green economic, which is in line with the SDGs for the citrus fruit industry.
Effect of Nutrient Solution Cooling in Summer and Heating in Winter on the Performance of Baby Leafy Vegetables in Deep-Water Hydroponic Systems
Authors: Hooks Triston , Sun Ling , Kong Yun , Masabni Joseph , Niu Genhua
Published: August 2022

Hydroponics has become a popular production technology for leafy greens in greenhouses. However, year-round production of cool-season leafy greens remains challenging due to costly heating and cooling during winter and summer seasons, depending on location. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the effect of nutrient solution cooling and heating in deep-water hydroponic systems on the performance of several leafy green vegetables. Two experiments of nutrient solution cooling during the summer season and another two experiments of nutrient solution heating during the winter season were conducted in Texas, USA in 2020–2021. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) ‘Bergams Green’ and ‘Red Mist’, Pak Choi (Brassica rapa subsp. chinensis) ‘Purple Magic’ and ‘White Stem’, and spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) ‘Mandolin’ and ‘Seaside’ were grown in the summer experiments, and only the two lettuce cultivars were grown for the winter experiments. For both cooling and heating studies, six deep-water culture systems were used with two treatments: cooling (23 °C) vs. no cooling, and heating (22 °C) vs. no heating, with three replications in each experiment. In the nutrient solution cooling study, spinach was the most heat-sensitive species, and ‘Mandolin’ was more heat-tolerant than ‘Seaside,’ as evidenced by its lower mortality rate in both experiments. Lettuce and pak choi grew well and solution cooling increased shoot fresh weight in both lettuce cultivars and in ‘White Stem’ pak choi but not in ‘Purple Magic’ pak choi. Conversely, during the winter season, solution heating increased shoot fresh weight of both lettuce cultivars; however, ‘Red Mist’ was more responsive than ‘Bergams Green’ lettuce. These results indicate the potential to increase crop yield by controlling nutrient solution temperature throughout the year, depending on the season. Also, there were genotypic differences in both cooling and heating experiments, indicating that more research is needed to determine the species-dependent and even cultivar-dependent nutrient solution temperature control strategies to achieve optimum year-round production.
Cleaning of Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) from Contaminated Clothing of Greenhouse Employees
Authors: Ehlers Jens , Nourinejhad Zarghani Shaheen , Kroschewski Bärbel , Büttner Carmen , Bandte Martina
Published: August 2022

The highly infectious Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) is a new viral threat to tomato production worldwide. In production, the very easy mechanical transmissibility combined with the high resistance in vitro is of great concern. We tested: (i) whether household cleaning products, commercial agricultural detergents, and an authorized plant protectant are suitable for cleaning contaminated clothing, and (ii) whether infectious viruses remain in the resulting cleaning water. The evaluation of the sanitation effect was performed using bioassays, by counting ToBRFV-associated necrotic local lesions on Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi NN. For this purpose, leaves were mechanically inoculated with treated fabrics and cleaning solutions which would normally be discharged to the sewer system. The detergents Fadex H+ (FH) and Menno Hortisept Clean Plus, as well as the disinfectant Menno Florades (MF), led to an almost complete removal of ToBRFV from contaminated fabrics, corresponding to a reduction in local lesions by 99.94–99.96%. In contrast, common household cleaning products (Spee ActivGel (SAG), Vanish Oxi Action Gel (VO) did not effectively remove the pathogen from the fabric, where the reduction was 45.1% and 89.7%, respectively. In particular, cleaning solutions after the use of household cleaners were highly contaminated with ToBRFV. After a 16-h treatment with the disinfectant MF, infectious ToBRFV was no longer present in VO, FH, and MF cleaning solutions, as demonstrated by extensive bioassays.
Optimum Moisture Conditions for English Lavender Cuttings Are Drier for Root Development than Shoot Development
Authors: Rock Ryan Recardo , An Seong Kwang , Kim Jongyun
Published: August 2022

Providing proper moisture conditions is critical for successful cutting propagation. This study aimed to investigate the optimal substrate moisture level for enhancing the survival and rooting rates of Lavandula angustifolia cuttings. Apical cuttings of L. angustifolia were propagated under four irrigation thresholds (−1.0, −2.5, −5.0, and −10.0 kPa) over six weeks. At the final harvest, cuttings grown at −2.5 kPa demonstrated the highest survival rate (83.3%), and those grown at −10.0 kPa demonstrated a mortality > 50%. A high rooting percentage (53.0 and 47.2%) was observed in cuttings grown at −1.0 and −2.5 kPa, while the lowest rooting percentage (<10%) was present in those grown at −10.0 kPa. Adventitious root formation and root growth occurred within a month for all treatments, except for the −10.0 kPa treatment; the general root growth was similar among treatments at the final harvest. Shoot growth was negligible in all treatments until four weeks, and it increased rapidly with increasing substrate moisture levels after the formation of adventitious roots. The adventitious root system was established within four weeks, which was followed by accelerated leaf and shoot growth. The optimal substrate moisture level for high survival and rooting of English lavender cuttings was approximately −2.5 kPa, but higher moisture tension at −1.0 kPa could enhance the shoot growth after adventitious roots are established.
Prediction at Ungauged Catchments through Parameter Optimization and Uncertainty Estimation to Quantify the Regional Water Balance of the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lake Basin
Authors: Abraham Tesfalem , Liu Yan , Tekleab Sirak , Hartmann Andreas
Published: August 2022

Quantifying uncertainties in water resource prediction in data-scarce regions is essential for resource development. We use globally available datasets of precipitation and potential evapotranspiration for the regionalization of model parameters in the data-scarce regions of Ethiopia. A regional model was developed based on 14 gauged catchments. Three possible parameter sets were tested for regionalization: (1) the best calibration parameters, (2) the best validation parameter set derived from behavioral parameters during the validation period, and (3) the stable parameter sets. Weighted multiple linear regression was applied by assigning more weight to identifiable parameters, using a novel leave-one-out cross-validation technique for evaluation and uncertainty quantification. The regionalized parameter sets were applied to the remaining 35 ungauged catchments in the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lake Basin (RVLB) to provide regional water balance estimations. The monthly calibration of the gauged catchments resulted in Nash Sutcliffe Efficiencies (NSE) ranging from 0.53 to 0.86. The regionalization approach provides acceptable regional model performances with a median NSE of 0.63. The results showed that, other than the commonly used best-calibrated parameters, the stable parameter sets provide the most robust estimates of regionalized parameters. As this approach is model-independent and the input data used are available globally, it can be applied to any other data-scarce region.
Agent Simulation Model of COVID-19 Epidemic Agent-Based on GIS: A Case Study of Huangpu District, Shanghai
Authors: Dong Tao , Dong Wen , Xu Quanli
Published: August 2022

Since the COVID-19 outbreak was detected and reported at the end of 2019, the pandemic continues worldwide, with public health authorities and the general public in each country struggling to balance safety and normal travel activities. However, the complex public health environment and the complexity of human behaviors, as well as the constant mutation of the COVID-19 virus, requires the development of theoretical and simulation tools to accurately model all segments of society. In this paper, an agent-based model is proposed, the model constructs the real geographical environment of Shanghai Huangpu District based on the building statistics data of Shanghai Huangpu District, and the real population data of Shanghai Huangpu District based on the data of China’s seventh Population census in 2020. After incorporating the detailed elements of COVID-19 transmission and the real data of WHO, the model forms various impact parameters. Finally, the model was validated according to the COVID-19 data reported by the official, and the model is applied to a hypothetical scenario. Shanghai is one of the places hardest hit by the current outbreak, Huangpu District is the “heart, window and name card” of Shanghai, and its importance to Shanghai is self-evident. so we used one-to-one population modeling to simulate the spread of COVID-19 in Huangpu District of Shanghai, In addition to the conventional functions of crowd movement, detection and treatment, the model also takes into account the burden of nucleic acid detection on the model caused by diseases similar to COVID-19, such as seasonal cold. The model validation results show that we have constructed a COVID-19 epidemic agent risk assessment system suitable for the individual epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in China, which can adjust and reflect on the existing COVID-19 epidemic intervention strategies and individual health behaviors. To provide scientific theoretical basis and information decision-making tools for effective prevention and control of COVID-19 and public health intervention in China.
Impact of Green Innovation Efficiency on Carbon Peak: Carbon Neutralization under Environmental Governance Constraints
Authors: Guo Meng , Cai Shukai
Published: August 2022

Under environmental governance constraints, in order to explore the quantitative contribution of green innovation efficiency to carbon peak and carbon neutralization at the urban level, this paper uses the unexpected Super-SBM model to measure the green innovation efficiency of each prefecture-level city based on the panel data of 40 prefecture-level cities in the Yangtze River Delta from 2010 to 2019. Furthermore, the panel fixed effect model is constructed, and the two-stage least squares estimation method is used for empirical research. It is found that green innovation efficiency can significantly reduce carbon emissions in the Yangtze River Delta, promote carbon emissions in the Yangtze River Delta to reach an early peak, and achieve the long-term goal of carbon neutrality as soon as possible. This conclusion is still stable after solving the endogenous problem and the influence of outliers. The results of regional heterogeneity analysis show that green innovation efficiency has remarkable effects on carbon emission reduction in Anhui and Zhejiang Provinces, and the emission reduction effect in Zhejiang Province is greater than that in Anhui Province. In addition, there exists obvious heterogeneity between different quantiles for the impact of green innovation efficiency on carbon emissions, showing an “inverted U” shape, and its intensity in the context of medium carbon emissions is greater than that of low carbon and high carbon emissions.
COVID-19 Post-Exposure Evaluation (COPE) Study: Assessing the Role of Socio-Economic Factors in Household SARS-CoV-2 Transmission within Campania Region (Southern Italy)
Authors: Gentile Ivan , Iorio Martina , Zappulo Emanuela , Scotto Riccardo , Maraolo Alberto Enrico , Buonomo Antonio Riccardo , Pinchera Biagio , Muto Giuseppina , Iervolino Carmela , Villari Riccardo , Schiano Moriello Nicola , Scirocco Maria Michela , Triassi Maria , Paternoster Mariano , Russo Vincenzo , Viceconte Giulio ,   Federico II COVID-Team
Published: August 2022

Campania is the sixth poorest region of Italy, and it is the region with the highest income inequality. The secondary attack rates of SARS-CoV-2 among households are found to be substantially heterogeneous among published studies and are influenced by socio-economic factors. We conducted a retrospective study to describe the role of socio-economic factors in the household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among patients living in Campania Region and referring to “Federico II” Hospital. We interviewed 413 subjects followed-up for COVID-19 between the 8 March 2020 and the 24 May 2021 with the aim to collect demographic, clinical, economic, and social data regarding their household and the index cases. The variables associated with SARS-CoV-2 attack rate higher than 50% among households were higher age (p = 0.023) and higher Charlson Comorbidity Index of the index case (p = 0.023) and, for household characteristics, higher number of families per house (p = 0.02), location of the houses in Naples’ suburbs (Chi2 = 5.3, p = 0.02) and in Caserta City area (Chi2 = 4, p = 0.04), and renting the house compared to owning it (Chi2 = 5.83, p = 0.01). This study confirms the finding described by other authors that household transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is correlated with the income inequality of the analyzed geographical area as well as with the indicators of health and economic wealth of the families, and this correlation also applies to the Campania Region.
COVID-19 Related Shifts in Social Interaction, Connection, and Cohesion Impact Psychosocial Health: Longitudinal Qualitative Findings from COVID-19 Treatment Trial Engaged Participants
Authors: Perez-Brumer Amaya , Balasa Rebecca , Doshi Aarti , Brogdon Jessica , Doan Thuy , Oldenburg Catherine E.
Published: August 2022

While effective for slowing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, public health measures, such as physical distancing and stay-at-home orders, have significantly shifted the way people interact and maintain social connections. To better understand how people sought social and psychological support amid the pandemic, we conducted a longitudinal qualitative evaluation of participants enrolled in a COVID-19 treatment trial (N = 30). All participants from the parent trial who consented to being contacted for future research studies were recruited electronically via email, and first-round virtual interviews were conducted between December 2020 and March 2021. Participants who participated in first-round interviews were contacted again, and follow-up interviews were conducted in January–February 2022. The results reported significant shifts in how participants connected to social support, including changes from physical to virtual modalities, and using different social networks for distinct purposes (i.e., Reddit/Facebook for information, WhatsApp for community connection). While having COVID-19, profound loneliness during isolation was described; yet, to mitigate effects, virtual support (i.e., emotional, knowledge-seeking) as well as in-person material support (e.g., groceries, snow-shoveling), were key. Public health efforts are needed to develop interventions that will improve the narratives about mental health challenges related to COVID-19 isolation, and to provide opportunities to share challenges in a supportive manner among social networks. Supporting social cohesion, despite the everchanging nature of COVID-19, will necessitate innovative multimodal strategies that learn from lived experiences across various stages of the pandemic.
Cross-Border Accessibility and Spatial Effects of China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor under the Background of High-Speed Rail Environment
Authors: Chu Nanchen , Wu Xiangli , Zhang Pingyu
Published: August 2022

Under the background of “the Belt and Road” and “China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor” initiatives, we studied the urban accessibility level and regional spatial effect of the west line and east line of China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor in the high-speed rail (HSR) environment. The results are as following. (1) The operation of China-Mongolia-Russia HSR will greatly improve the urban accessibility level, which will shorten the whole journey time to two days along China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor. The regional space-time convergence effect will be very strong in the China-Mongolia-Russia HSR environment. (2) The accessibility level and its improvement degree of the China-Mongolia-Russia east line are stronger than those of the west line. The accessibility level of different countries differs: China > Russia > Mongolia. The accessibility improvement degree of different countries also differs: Mongolia > Russia > China. Spatially, the accessibility improvement degree of the cities, which are located in the middle of the line is stronger than those cities at the beginning and end of the line. (3) Affected by the China-Mongolia-Russia HSR environment, the spatial polarization effect of China-Mongolia-Russia HSR axial belt will be further enhanced. The internal boundary effect of the China-Mongolia-Russia HSR axial belt will disappear. New HSR economic growth poles will occur, promoting the formation of point-axis system. China-Mongolia-Russia cross-border trade creation and transfer effects will be deepened.
Development of a Risk Score to Predict Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Polavarapu Mounika , Klonoff-Cohen Hillary , Joshi Divya , Kumar Praveen , An Ruopeng , Rosenblatt Karin
Published: August 2022

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the third leading cause of death among infants younger than one year of age. Effective SIDS prediction models have yet to be developed. Hence, we developed a risk score for SIDS, testing contemporary factors including infant exposure to passive smoke, circumcision, and sleep position along with known risk factors based on 291 SIDS and 242 healthy control infants. The data were retrieved from death certificates, parent interviews, and medical records collected between 1989–1992, prior to the Back to Sleep Campaign. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to develop a risk score model. Our finalized risk score model included: (i) breastfeeding duration (OR = 13.85, p < 0.001); (ii) family history of SIDS (OR = 4.31, p < 0.001); (iii) low birth weight (OR = 2.74, p = 0.003); (iv) exposure to passive smoking (OR = 2.64, p < 0.001); (v) maternal anemia during pregnancy (OR = 2.07, p = 0.03); and (vi) maternal age <25 years (OR = 1.77, p = 0.01). The area under the curve for the overall model was 0.79, and the sensitivity and specificity were 79% and 63%, respectively. Once this risk score is further validated it could ultimately help physicians identify the high risk infants and counsel parents about modifiable risk factors that are most predictive of SIDS.
Loss-Related Characteristics and Symptoms of Depression, Prolonged Grief, and Posttraumatic Stress Following Suicide Bereavement
Authors: Grafiadeli Raphaela , Glaesmer Heide , Wagner Birgit
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to examine symptom classes of major depressive disorder (MDD), prolonged grief disorder (PGD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a sample of suicide-bereaved individuals, while accounting for loss-related characteristics. (2) Methods: A latent class analysis was conducted to identify classes of the suicide bereaved, sharing symptom profiles, in a German suicide-bereaved sample (N = 159). (3) Results: Our analyses revealed three main classes: a resilient class (16%), a class with high endorsement probability for PGD symptoms (50%), and a class with high endorsement probability for combined PGD/PTSD symptoms (34%). Prolonged grief and intrusive symptoms emerged across all classes, while MDD showed low endorsement probability. Our results indicate an association between class membership and time passed since the loss; however, this applies only to the comparison between the PGD and the resilient class, and not for the PGD/PTSD class. (4) Conclusions: Our results may provide information about the predictability of symptom clusters following suicide bereavement. The findings also represent a significant step towards tailoring treatments based on the needs of relevant suicide-bereaved subgroups through a symptom-level approach. Time passed since loss might explain differences between symptom clusters.
Particulate Matter Concentration in Selected Facilities as an Indicator of Exposure to Their Service Activities
Authors: Rogula-Kopiec Patrycja , Rogula-Kozłowska Wioletta , Majewski Grzegorz
Published: August 2022

In recent years, the correlation between the concentration of pollutants in the atmosphere and inside buildings has been reported as high. The air inside living quarters and public utility buildings or the interiors of public transport vehicles, as well as the relationship between the internal and external sources of particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants, have underwent sufficient research. On the other hand, non-production rooms, i.e., offices, restaurants, beauty salons, etc. remain very poorly recognized in this respect. For the above reasons, the aim of this work is to determine the difference in the total dust (TSP) and respirable PM (PM4) concentrations in selected rooms, i.e., offices and beauty centers, in relation to their outdoor concentrations. They were measured at six locations in accordance with the standard for the conditions at workplaces by means of PM aspirators. Indoor concentrations of TSP and PM4 were much higher than those in the external surroundings of the facilities. There were no significant relationships between the TSP and PM4 concentrations inside and outside tested rooms. Although the characteristic of the internal PM essentially depends on the characteristics of the external PM migrating to the interior of the premises, considering some types of non-production premises, internal emissions fundamentally changed the characteristics of PM.
Use of Interspecies Correlation Estimation (ICE) Models to Derive Water Quality Criteria of Microplastics for Protecting Aquatic Organisms
Authors: Wu Jiangyue , Zhao Xiaohui , Gao Lin , Li Yan , Wang Dan
Published: August 2022

Microplastics (MPs) in the water environment pose a potential threat to aquatic organisms. The Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD) method was used to assess the ecological risks of microplastics on aquatic organisms in this study. However, the limited toxicity data of aquatic organisms made it impossible to derive water quality criteria (WQC) for MPs and difficult to implement an accurately ecological risk assessment. To solve the data gaps, the USEPA established the interspecies correlation estimation (ICE) model, which could predict toxicity data to a wider range of aquatic organisms and could also be utilized to develop SSD and HC5 (hazardous concentration, 5th percentile). Herein, we collected the acute toxicity data of 11 aquatic species from 10 families in 5 phyla to fit the metrical-based SSDs, meanwhile generating the ICE-based-SSDs using three surrogate species (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Hyalella Azteca, and Daphnia magna), and finally compared the above SSDs, as well as the corresponding HC5. The results showed that the measured HC5 for acute MPs toxicity data was 112.3 μg/L, and ICE-based HC5 was 167.2 μg/L, which indicated there were no significant differences between HC5 derived from measured acute and ICE-based predicted values thus the ICE model was verified as a valid approach for generating SSDs with limited toxicity data and deriving WQC for MPs.
Two Years of COVID-19 Pandemic: How the Brazilian Serie A Championship Was Affected by Home Advantage, Performance and Disciplinary Aspects
Authors: Silva Aldo Coelho , Amaral Adriana Souza , Facundo Lucas Alves , Wiprich Melissa Talita , Rechenchosky Leandro , Rinaldi Wilson
Published: August 2022

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brazilian Serie A championship was played without crowds in 2020 and partially in the 2021 season. We verified if the home advantage (HA) was different between the 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons. We also compared the HA, performance, and disciplinary aspects between the rounds with or without crowds and verified the association between the number of absent athletes because of health protocols and the HA in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. We calculated the HA using the Pollard method. The performance aspects were goals, corners, shots, and ball possession, and the disciplinary aspects were fouls, yellow cards, and red cards. The HA was higher in the 2018 season compared with the other seasons. The rounds with crowds showed higher HAs than the two previous seasons and the teams had more shots and scored more goals than in the rounds without crowds. There were 457 athletes in the 2020 season and 123 athletes in the 2021 season who were absent because of health protocols, and there was no association between absence and HA. The COVID-19 pandemic affected soccer in the two last seasons in different ways in the Brazilian Serie A championship.
Evaluating the Hydraulic Effects of the Flow through and over the Submerged Biofilter Installed in Polluted Streams
Authors: Abd-Elhamid Hany F. , El-Saiad Atef A. , Salama Zeinab I. , Zeleňáková Martina , El-Gohary Emad H.
Published: August 2022

The problem of shortage in freshwater resources in many countries around the world has led to the use of unconventional water resources such as treated wastewater and agricultural drains water to bridge the gap between the demand and supply. However, the open nature of most agricultural drains and the spread of population cumulation around them has made them vulnerable to many organic and inorganic pollutants. One of the artificial methods used to enhance the self-purification process in polluted streams is submerged biofilters (SB). However, most of the previous studies focused on the efficiency of the biofilter to remove the pollutants, and there is a lack of studies on hydraulic changes. This study aims to assess the hydraulic effects of the submerged biofilter of star-shaped plastic media on water streams and develop a mathematical formula that could predict such effects. For this purpose, an experimental study was conducted with 60 total runs (30 for flow through biofilter and 30 for flow over biofilter), and dimensional analyses with multi-linear regression analysis were used to correlate different parameters that affect the flow through and over the biofilter. The mathematical relationships were developed to determine the changes in the upstream water level and that heading up in streams due to the use of the biofilter for both cases of flow. The results of the new formulas are very close to the experimental results, with (R2 = 0.89) for flow through the biofilter and (R2 = 0.993) for the flow over biofilter. In addition, the results were very close to other developed equations. The developed formulas were used to predict the upstream water depth (h1) by knowing the discharge (Q), length (L), and width (B) of the biofilter.
Using Telehealth to Guarantee the Continuity of Rehabilitation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review
Authors: Brigo Elisabetta , Rintala Aki , Kossi Oyéné , Verwaest Fabian , Vanhoof Olivier , Feys Peter , Bonnechère Bruno
Published: August 2022

COVID-19 has abruptly disrupted healthcare services; however, the continuity of rehabilitation could be guaranteed using mobile technologies. This review aims to analyze the feasibility and effectiveness of telehealth solutions proposed to guarantee the continuity of rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and PEDro databases were searched; the search was limited to randomized controlled trials, observational and explorative studies published up to 31 May 2022, assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of telerehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty studies were included, for a total of 224,806 subjects: 93.1% with orthopedic complaints and 6.9% with non-orthopedic ones. The main strategies used were video and audio calls via commonly available technologies and free videoconferencing tools. Based on the current evidence, it is suggested that telerehabilitation is a feasible and effective solution, allowing the continuity of rehabilitation while reducing the risk of infection and the burden of travel. However, it is not widely used in clinical settings, and definitive conclusions cannot be currently drawn. Telerehabilitation seems a feasible and safe option to remotely deliver rehabilitation using commonly available mobile technologies, guaranteeing the continuity of care while respecting social distancing. Further research is, however, needed to strengthen and confirm these findings.
User Perceptions and Needs Analysis of a Virtual Coach for Active and Healthy Ageing—An International Qualitative Study
Authors: Möller Johanna , Bevilacqua Roberta , Browne Ryan , Shinada Takamitsu , Dacunha Sébastien , Palmier Cecilia , Stara Vera , Maranesi Elvira , Margaritini Arianna , Takano Eiko , Kondo Izumi , Watanabe Shuichiro , Ahmadi Michael , Wieching Rainer , Ogawa Toshimi
Published: August 2022

Virtual coaching systems show great potential for meeting the challenges of demographic change. However, the proportion of older users in the field of digital technologies is far behind that of younger people. As part of the e-VITA project, semi-structured interviews were conducted in Japan, France, Italy and Germany with 58 people aged 65 and over, and the content was analyzed with the aim of obtaining information about how older adults organize their everyday lives, also with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, how they deal with their health, what role digital technologies play in the lives of the interviewees and why they oppose progressive digitization. Second, the survey asked why the older adults oppose a virtual coach, which is to be developed in the e-VITA project to support older adults in healthy and active aging, and what barriers they see in a possible implementation. It was found that older respondents lead active, varied lives and that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the increased use of digital solutions. In addition, respondents were consciously addressing their own health. With regard to a virtual coach, barriers were seen primarily in the area of data security and sharing. It can be concluded from this that heterogeneity among older user groups should be taken into account when developing virtual coaches. In addition, aspects of data security and data protection should be presented in a clearly understandable and transparent manner.
Chinese College Students’ Physical-Exercise Behavior, Negative Emotions, and Their Correlation during the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Han Shan-Shan , Li Bo , Ke You-Zhi , Wang Guang-Xu , Meng Shu-Qiao , Li Ya-Xing , Cui Zhong-Lei , Tong Wen-Xia
Published: August 2022

Background: In the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of college students’ physical exercise, the detection rate of negative emotions, and their correlation should attract extensive attention. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the correlation between college students’ physical exercise and negative emotions. Methods: Data were collected via a web-based cross-sectional survey. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 3118 college students from five universities in Shanghai in March 2022. In addition to sociodemographic information, measures included Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). The chi-squared test and logistic regression were used to analyze the differences and test the relative risk of negative emotions caused by different amounts of physical exercise. Results: Most students (66.1%) performed a small amount of physical exercise. Male students’ physical-exercise level was higher than female students’, and the detection rate of negative emotions was lower than that of female students. Moderate and low physical-exercise levels were associated with a higher risk of depression (beta of 0.289 and 0.345, respectively) and anxiety (beta of 0.301 and 0.418) symptoms than high physical-exercise level. Conclusions: The anxiety symptoms of college students were significant during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The physical-exercise behavior of college students was closely related to negative emotions, and the weakening of physical-exercise behavior was one of the factors that induced negative emotions in college students.
Analysis of Traffic Signs Information Volume Affecting Driver’s Visual Characteristics and Driving Safety
Authors: Han Lei , Du Zhigang , Wang Shoushuo , Chen Ying
Published: August 2022

To study the influence of traffic signs information volume (TSIV) on drivers’ visual characteristics and driving safety, the simulation scenarios of different levels of TSIV were established, and 30 participants were recruited for simulated driving tests. The eye tracker was used to collect eye movement data under three-speed conditions (60 km/h, 80 km/h, and 100 km/h) and different levels of TSIV (0 bits/km, 10 bits/km, 20 bits/km, 30 bits/km, 40 bits/km, and 50 bits/km). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to select indicators sensitive to the influence of TSIV on the drivers’ visual behavior and to analyze the influence of TSIV on the drivers’ visual characteristics and visual workload intensity under different speed conditions. The results show that the fixation duration, saccade duration, and saccade amplitude are the three eye movement indicators that are most responsive to changes in the TSIV. The driver’s visual characteristics perform best at the S3 TSIV level (30 bits/km), with the lowest visual workload intensity, indicating that drivers have the lowest psychological stress and lower driving workload when driving under this TSIV condition. Therefore, a density of 30 bits/km is suggested for the TSIV, in order to ensure the security and comfort of the drivers. The theoretical underpinnings for placing and optimizing traffic signs will be provided by this work.
Breast Cancer Incidence among Female Workers by Different Occupations and Industries: A Longitudinal Population-Based Matched Case–Control Study in Taiwan
Authors: Shen Cheng-Ting , Hsieh Hui-Min , Chuang Yun-Shiuan , Pan Chih-Hong , Wu Ming-Tsang
Published: August 2022

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer incidence worldwide and in Taiwan. The relationship between breast cancer and occupational types remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate lifetime breast cancer incidence by different occupational industries among female workers in Taiwan. Methods: A population-based retrospective case–control study was conducted using three nationwide population-based databases. Matched case and control groups were identified with 1-to-4 exact matching among 103,047 female workers with breast cancer diagnosed in 2008–2017 and those without breast cancer. Their lifetime labor enrollment records were tracked using the National Labor Insurance Database, 1950–2017. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the association between types of occupational industries and risk of incident breast cancer. Results: Our study found slightly significant breast cancer risk among the following major occupational classifications: manufacturing (OR: 1.027, 95% CI: 1.011–1.043); wholesale and retail trade (OR: 1.068, 95% CI: 1.052–1.084); information and communication (OR: 1.074, 95% CI: 1.043–1.105); financial and insurance activities (OR: 1.109, 95% CI: 1.086–1.133); real estate activities (OR: 1.050, 95% CI: 1.016–1.085); professional, scientific, and technical activities (OR: 1.118, 95% CI: 1.091–1.145); public administration, defense, and social security (OR: 1.054, 95% CI: 1.023–1.087), education (OR: 1.199, 95% CI: 1.168–1.230); and human health and social work activities (OR: 1.125, 95% CI: 1.096–1.156). Conclusions: Greater percentages of industrial occupations (i.e., manufacturing, wholesale and retail, or health professionals) were associated with slightly increased breast cancer risk. Further studies should investigate the possible risk factors among female workers in those industries with slightly higher incidence of breast cancer.
Community Engagement and Psychometric Methods in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Surveys—A Scoping Review and Critical Analysis
Authors: Ryder Courtney , Stephens Jacqueline H. , Ullah Shahid , Coombes Julieann , Cominos Nayia , Sharpe Patrick , D’Angelo Shane , Cameron Darryl , Hayes Colleen , Bennett-Brook Keziah , Mackean Tamara
Published: August 2022

(1) Background: In healthcare settings, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and surveys are accepted, patient-centered measures that provide qualitative information on dimensions of health and wellbeing. The level of psychometric assessment and engagement with end users for their design can vary significantly. This scoping review describes the psychometric and community engagement processes for PROMs and surveys developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. (2) Methods: The PRISMA ScR guidelines for scoping reviews were followed, aimed at those PROMs and surveys that underwent psychometric assessment. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool and a narrative synthesis approach were used. (3) Results: Of 1080 articles, 14 were eligible for review. Most articles focused on a validity assessment of PROMs and surveys, with reliability being less common. Face validity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities was reported in most studies, with construct validity through exploratory factor analyses. Methodological design risks were identified in the majority of studies, notably the absence of explicit Indigenous knowledges. Variability existed in the development of PROMs and surveys for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. (4) Conclusions: Improvement in inclusion of Indigenous knowledges and research approaches is needed to ensure relevance and appropriate PROM structures. We provide suggestions for research teams to assist in future design.
Factors Predicting the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Preventive Behaviors of Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Upake Chunphen , Nanthamongkolchai Sutham , Taechaboonsermsak Pimsurang , Yodmai Korravarn , Suksatan Wanich
Published: August 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the health behaviors of older adults. Thus, the factors predicting the COVID-19 preventive behaviors of older adults during the COVID-19 outbreak should be examined. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the COVID-19 preventive behaviors of older adults and explore the factors predicting these. A cross-sectional study was performed with 400 older adults who were selected using the cluster sampling technique. The associations of all variables in preventing COVID-19 infection with COVID-19 preventive behaviors were examined using stepwise multiple regression. The study results revealed that 70.8% of the study participants had high levels of COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Among these, self-efficacy in preventing COVID-19 infection (β = 0.224) showed the highest ability to predict COVID-19 preventive behaviors, followed by COVID-19 response efficacy (β = 0.171), knowledge about COVID-19 (β = 0.110), and gender (β = −0.102). Older adults adopted protective behaviors at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The predictors of these behaviors should be considered while designing and developing appropriate COVID-19 preventive behavior interventions, aimed at inducing behavioral modifications to reduce further infection with and spread of COVID-19.
Arterial Stiffness Assessment by Pulse Wave Velocity in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components: Is It a Useful Tool in Clinical Practice?
Authors: Starzak Monika , Stanek Agata , Jakubiak Grzegorz K. , Cholewka Armand , Cieślar Grzegorz
Published: August 2022

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is not a single disease but a cluster of metabolic disorders associated with increased risk for development of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Currently, the definition of MS published in 2009 is widely used, but there are more versions of the diagnostic criteria, making it difficult to conduct scientific discourse in this area. Increased arterial stiffness (AS) can predict the development of cardiovascular disease both in the general population and in patients with MS. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), as a standard method to assess AS, may point out subclinical organ damage in patients with hypertension. The decrease in PWV level during antihypertensive therapy can identify a group of patients with better outcomes independently of their reduction in blood pressure. The adverse effect of metabolic disturbances on arterial function can be offset by an adequate program of exercises, which includes mainly aerobic physical training. Non-insulin-based insulin resistance index can predict AS due to a strong positive correlation with PWV. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the review of the literature concerning the relationship between MS and its components, and AS assessed by PWV, including clinical usefulness of PWV measurement in patients with MS and its components.
Levels of Trace Elements in the Lens, Aqueous Humour, and Plasma of Cataractous Patients—A Narrative Review
Authors: Micun Zuzanna , Falkowska Martyna , Młynarczyk Maryla , Kochanowicz Jan , Socha Katarzyna , Konopińska Joanna
Published: August 2022

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of effective vision loss. Although most cases of cataracts are related to the ageing process, identifying modifiable risk factors can prevent their onset or progression. Many studies have suggested that micro and macroelement levels, not only in blood serum but also in the lens and aqueous humour, may affect the risk of the occurrence and severity of cataracts. This systematic review aims to summarise existing scientific reports concerning the importance of trace elements in cataractogenesis. Many authors have pointed out elevated or decreased levels of particular elements in distinct ocular compartments. However, it is not known if these alterations directly affect the increased risk of cataract occurrence. Further studies are needed to show whether changes in the levels of these elements are correlated with cataract severity and type. Such information would be useful for determining specific recommendations for micronutrient supplementation in preventing cataractogenesis.
The Relationship between Self-Concept and Negative Emotion: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Zhang Qinfei , Miao Lvqing , He Lichun , Wang Huarong
Published: August 2022

Background: Emotional problems such as depression and anxiety are very serious among college students, especially during the COVID-2019 pandemic. The present study aimed to explore the mediating role of resilience in the relationship between self-concept and negative emotion, and the moderating role of exercise intensity in the direct and indirect effect of self-concept on negative emotion among college students. Methods: A total of 739 Chinese college students aged between 18 and 25 years (M = 20.13; SD = 1.67) were selected to complete the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS), the Depression Anxiety Stress Self Rating Scale, the Adolescent Psychological Resilience Scale, and the Physical Exercise Scale (PARS-3) to assess self-concept, negative emotions, psychological resilience, and exercise intensity, respectively. Hayes’ PROCESS macro for SPSS was used to test the relationships among these variables. Results: Self-concept was negatively correlated with negative emotions; psychological resilience partially mediated the association between self-concept and negative emotions; exercise intensity moderated the effect of self-concept on negative emotions, and college students with low intensity physical activity would strengthening the association between self-concept and psychological resilience, psychological resilience, and negative emotions. Conclusions: Psychological resilience is a critical mediating mechanism through which self-concept is associated with negative emotions among college students, and exercise intensity plays a role as a moderating variable in the direct and indirect influence of self-concept on negative emotions. Implications for preventing or reducing negative emotions are discussed.