bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and Characterization of Heat-Treated Douglas Fir Wood with Core–Shell Structure
Authors: Ding Tao , Cheng Yafei , Jiang Tianle
Published: May 2022

Wood heat treatment has been generally accepted as an effective wood modification technology as it improves the dimensional stability and biological durability of wood. However, the property improvements are obtained at the cost of reduced mechanical properties. In this study, heat-treated Douglas fir wood with thermally modified shell and unchanged inner core was prepared by surface heating to make possible the broader applications of heat-treated wood. Colour comparison, dynamic vapor sorption and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed to characterize the physico-mechanical performance of the shell and core of the treated wood. The results reveal a darkened, hydrophobic and rigid shell and a barely changed inner core. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows pronounced degradation of polysaccharides in the surface layer. In contrast, the relative contents of different carbon components in the core layer are similar to that of the untreated wood, indicating the reason for the performance difference between the shell and the core of the treated wood. The initial wood moisture content plays an important role in controlling the temperature gap between the core and the shell during treatment and can be used as a key parameter to adjust the structure and performance of the heat-treated wood.
Shear Property and Uniform Vertical Load Capacity of Bamboo I-Beams
Authors: Yang Xiaomeng , Sun Cong , Huo Faren , Gong Yong , Sun Yuhui
Published: May 2022

Bamboo oriented strand boards (BOSB) are very suitable for application in construction structures because of their excellent mechanical properties. This research investigated the shear performance of bamboo I-beams composed of BOSB to verify the structural performance of I-beams. Short beam shear tests and uniform vertical load capacity tests were performed to investigate the effects of various factors on the properties of bamboo I-beams. The results showed that shear bearing capacity and uniform vertical load capacity of bamboo I-beams exceeded the requirements for performance-rated I-Joists in APA PRI-400-2021. The shear bearing capacity, stiffness, and failure types of bamboo I-beams were determined by the web materials, flange–web joint type, and beam depth. Increasing the bamboo I-beam depth without changing the flange dimensions had no significant effect on the shear bearing capacity and stiffness of bamboo I-beams. The shear bearing capacity and stiffness of wooden orientated strand board webbed I-beams were almost half of those of bamboo I-beams with the same depth. The shear bearing capacities of specimens calculated based on the shear bearing capacity calculation formula of I-beams recommended in the Canadian standard were reasonably close to the experimental results. The uniform vertical load capacity of bamboo I-beams gradually decreased as the depth of the bamboo I-beam increased from 300 mm to 500 mm.
Quantum Key Distribution in Kubernetes Clusters
Authors: Pedone Ignazio , Lioy Antonio
Published: May 2022

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) represents a reasonable countermeasure to the advent of Quantum Computing and its impact on current public-key cryptography. So far, considerable efforts have been devoted to investigate possible application scenarios for QKD in several domains such as Cloud Computing and NFV. This paper extends a previous work whose main objective was to propose a new software stack, the Quantum Software Stack (QSS), to integrate QKD into software-defined infrastructures. The contribution of this paper is twofold: enhancing the previous work adding functionalities to the first version of the QSS, and presenting a practical integration of the QSS in Kubernetes, which is the de-facto standard for container orchestration.
Charting Past, Present, and Future Research in the Semantic Web and Interoperability
Authors: Rejeb Abderahman , Keogh John G. , Martindale Wayne , Dooley Damion , Smart Edward , Simske Steven , Wamba Samuel Fosso , Breslin John G. , Bandara Kosala Yapa , Thakur Subhasis , Liu Kelly , Crowley Bridgette , Desaraju Sowmya , Ospina Angela , Bradau Horia
Published: May 2022

Huge advances in peer-to-peer systems and attempts to develop the semantic web have revealed a critical issue in information systems across multiple domains: the absence of semantic interoperability. Today, businesses operating in a digital environment require increased supply-chain automation, interoperability, and data governance. While research on the semantic web and interoperability has recently received much attention, a dearth of studies investigates the relationship between these two concepts in depth. To address this knowledge gap, the objective of this study is to conduct a review and bibliometric analysis of 3511 Scopus-registered papers on the semantic web and interoperability published over the past two decades. In addition, the publications were analyzed using a variety of bibliometric indicators, such as publication year, journal, authors, countries, and institutions. Keyword co-occurrence and co-citation networks were utilized to identify the primary research hotspots and group the relevant literature. The findings of the review and bibliometric analysis indicate the dominance of conference papers as a means of disseminating knowledge and the substantial contribution of developed nations to the semantic web field. In addition, the keyword co-occurrence network analysis reveals a significant emphasis on semantic web languages, sensors and computing, graphs and models, and linking and integration techniques. Based on the co-citation clustering, the Internet of Things, semantic web services, ontology mapping, building information modeling, bioinformatics, education and e-learning, and semantic web languages were identified as the primary themes contributing to the flow of knowledge and the growth of the semantic web and interoperability field. Overall, this review substantially contributes to the literature and increases scholars’ and practitioners’ awareness of the current knowledge composition and future research directions of the semantic web field.
Computational Investigation of the Aerodynamics of a Wheel Installed on a Race Car with a Multi-Element Front Wing
Authors: Cravero Carlo , Marsano Davide
Published: May 2022

The search for high aerodynamic performance of a race car is one of the main aspects of the design process. The flow around the basic body shape is complicated by the presence of the rotating wheels. This is especially true in race cars on which the wheels are not shrouded, where the effects on the flow field are considerable. Despite this, few works have focused on the flow around the rotating wheels. In this paper, CFD techniques were used to provide a detailed analysis of the flow structures generated by the interaction between a multielement inverted wing and the wheel of an open-wheel race car. In the first part, the CFD approach was validated for the isolated wheel case by comparing the results with experimental and numerical data from the literature. The wheel was analyzed both in stationary and unsteady flow conditions. Then, the CFD model was adopted to study the interaction of the flow structures between the wheel with the real grooves on the tire and the front wing of a Formula 1 car. Three different configurations were considered in order to differentiate the individual effects. The discussions were supported by the values of the aerodynamic performance coefficients and flow contours.
Should I Pay or Should I Grow? Factors Which Influenced the Preferences of US Consumers for Fruit, Vegetables, Wine and Beer during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rombach Meike , Dean David L. , Baird Tim , Kambuta Jacob
Published: May 2022

This study examines the key factors that determine the preferences of US consumers towards the growing and processing used for horticultural products such as fruit, vegetables, wine and beer over their preferences for buying them both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings obtained using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) show that engagement with horticulture prior to and after the occurrence of COVID-19 influenced preferences for the growing and processing of fruit, vegetables, wine and beer over buying them in both the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 contexts. Engagement with horticulture before and after the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly impacted by attitudes towards US growers. Attitudes towards COVID-19 and human values such as self-enhancement, conservation and self-transcendence were also found to be significant factors, while openness to change was not found to be significant. Best practice recommendations are included on the basis of these findings for managers of community gardens, horticultural properties and specialized food stores.
Non-Alcoholic Components in Huangjiu as Potential Factors Regulating the Intestinal Barrier and Gut Microbiota in Mouse Model of Alcoholic Liver Injury
Authors: Yang Yi , Zhou Zhilei , Liu Yufei , Xu Xibiao , Xu Yuezheng , Zhou Weibiao , Chen Shuguang , Mao Jian
Published: May 2022

Different alcoholic beverages and drinking patterns might exert divergent impacts on alcoholic liver disease (ALD) progression. Whether the abundant non-alcoholic components (NAC) in fermented wine could alleviate ethanol (EtOH)-induced adverse influences on the liver remains unknown. Hence, the chronic ALD mouse model was established to compare the effects of Huangjiu (a typical fermented wine) and EtOH feeding on the liver, intestinal barrier, gut microbiota, and intestinal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content. Although Huangjiu intake led to slight hepatic steatosis, it mitigated oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal damage relative to EtOH intake. In comparison with EtOH feeding, Huangjiu significantly improved the intestinal barrier integrity and reduced hepatic lipopolysaccharide levels by up-regulating the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and occludin) and antimicrobial activity peptides (Reg3β and Reg3γ). The administration of Huangjiu NAC partially restored alcohol-induced gut microbiota dysbiosis via recovering the abundance of Lactobacillus, Faecalibaculum, and Akkermansia. Moreover, mice receiving Huangjiu showed higher SCFAs levels (such as acetic acid and butyric acid) than those receiving EtOH. Huangjiu consumption resulted in lower hepatotoxicity than pure EtOH, at the same alcohol dose. The NAC in Huangjiu might attenuate the progression of ALD by regulating intestinal barrier function and microbiota-meditated gut ecology.
Reformulating Bread Using Sprouted Pseudo-cereal Grains to Enhance Its Nutritional Value and Sensorial Attributes
Authors: Paucar-Menacho Luz , Simpalo-López Wilson , Castillo-Martínez Williams , Esquivel-Paredes Lourdes , Martínez-Villaluenga Cristina
Published: May 2022

Sprouting is an effective treatment for improving nutritional and bioactive properties as well as lowering the anti-nutritional compounds in pseudo-cereals. Enhancing nutritional properties when using sprouted pseudo-cereals flours as a baking ingredient requires tailored formulation. Simplex centroid designs and response surface methodology has been applied in the present study to define the ideal proportions of ternary blends of sprouted kiwicha (SKF), cañihua (SCF) and wheat flours (WF) to simultaneously enhance the content in bioactive compounds (γ-aminobutyric acid, GABA, total soluble phenolic compounds and TSPC), as well as sensory (odor, color, taste and texture) and functional attributes (antioxidant activity, AA) while reducing phytic acid (PA) content of bread. The effect of gastric and intestinal digestion on bioactive compounds, AA, PA and starch hydrolysis was also evaluated. Mixture design allowed for the identification of optimal formulation (5% SKF, 23.1% SCF, 71.9% WF) that can be used to obtain breads with higher content of GABA, TSPC, AA, overall sensorial acceptability (scores > 7) and reduced PA content and glycemic index. Moreover, this study demonstrated that these nutritional and health benefits provided by the replacement of WF by sprouted pseudo-cereal flours remained upon digestion. The results of this study indicated that WF replacement with SKF and SCF is sensory acceptable and improved the nutritional quality of bread.
Amelioration of Ovalbumin-Induced Food Allergy in Mice by Targeted Rectal and Colonic Delivery of Cyanidin-3-O-Glucoside
Authors: Li Jie , Zou Chao , Liu Yixiang
Published: May 2022

Targeted rectal and colonic delivery is an effective strategy to exploit the biological functions of polyphenols. This work investigated the anti-food allergy (FA) activity of cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G) delivered by enteric sodium alginate in vivo. The results showed that through targeted rectal and colonic delivery, the C3G showed better results in ameliorating clinical allergic symptoms, diarrhea, and serological indicators including ovalbumin-specific IgE, histamine, and mast cell protease-1. The C3G was more efficient in enhancing the intestinal epithelial barrier by up-regulating the tight junction protein expression and promoting secretory IgA and β-defensin secretion. The improved bioactivity in regulating T helper (Th)1/Th2 immune balance in the intestinal mucosa was also observed. Compared with the intestinal microbiota structure of the model group, targeted rectal and colonic delivery of C3G was able to bring the abundance of Bacteroidota and Firmicutes close to the levels found in normal mice. Furthermore, there was an evident increase in beneficial bacteria in the intestinal flora, such as Lactobacillus and Odoribacter, and a decrease in pathogenic bacteria like Helicobacter and Turicibacter. Therefore, the anti-FA activity of C3G could be increased via targeted rectal and colonic delivery, while the mechanism might be attributed to the regulation of intestinal microecological homeostasis.
METTL3 Regulated the Meat Quality of Rex Rabbits by Controlling PCK2 Expression via a YTHDF2–N6-Methyladenosine Axis
Authors: Luo Gang , Zhu Tongyan , Ren Zhanjun
Published: May 2022

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal mRNA modification in eukaryotes. The M6A modification plays an important role in transcription and cell function. The mechanism by which m6A modification regulates meat quality remains elusive. In this study, gene knockout and overexpression were used to explore m6A-modified regulation of meat quality. The content of PCK2 in blood increased significantly with the increase of Rex rabbits’ age. PCK2 expression levels in the longissimus lumborum and liver also increased significantly with the increase of Rex rabbits’ age. However, the expression level of PCK2 showed no significant difference in adipose tissue. In cell experiments, we found that METTL3 inhibited adipocyte differentiation by targeting the PCK2 gene via the recognition function of YTHDF2. Finally, the results of correlation analysis showed that PCK2 expression was positively correlated with intramuscular fat, whereas PCK2 expression was negatively correlated with total water loss rate at three different stages. In addition, PCK2 expression was also negatively correlated with reduced pH value at 75 and 165 days. Intramuscular fat content, pH and muscle water holding capacity are the main factors affecting the taste and flavor of muscle. Therefore, N6-methyladenosine regulated muscle quality by targeting the PCK2 gene.
Association Study between Mucin 4 (MUC4) Polymorphisms and Idiopathic Recurrent Pregnancy Loss in a Korean Population
Authors: Kim Ji-Hyang , Park Han-Sung , Lee Jeong-Yong , Ko Eun-Ju , Kim Young-Ran , Cho Hee-Young , Lee Woo-Sik , Ahn Eun-Hee , Kim Nam-Keun
Published: May 2022

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies before 20 weeks of gestational age. Our study investigated whether mucin 4 (MUC4) polymorphisms are associated with RPL. MUC polymorphisms (rs882605 C>A, rs1104760 A>G, rs2688513 A>G, rs2258447 C>T, and rs2291652 A>G) were genotyped in 374 women with RPL and 239 controls of Korean ethnicity using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and the TaqMan probe SNP genotyping assay. Differences in genotype frequencies between cases of RPL and the controls were compared. MUC4 rs882605 C>A and rs1104760 A>G polymorphisms were associated with increased incidence of RPL in three and four or more pregnancy loss patients. The haplotype analyses showed a tendency for the allelic effect including the association of MUC4 rs882605 A and rs1104760 G alleles with increased incidence of RPL. In addition, the MUC4 rs882605 CA/MUC4 rs2258447 CC genotype combination was associated with increased RPL prevalence. The two exonic polymorphisms lead to amino acid changes of protein and may act as pathogenic variants for RPL. In conclusion, the MUC4 rs882605 C>A and MUC4 rs1104760 A>G polymorphisms were associated with the susceptibility of RPL and we considered them as potential biomarkers for RPL.
Exosomal miRNA Profile in Small-for-Gestational-Age Children: A Potential Biomarker for Catch-Up Growth
Authors: Jeong Hwal Rim , Han Jae-A , Kim Heeji , Lee Hye Jin , Shim Young Suk , Kang Min Jae , Yoon Jong Seo , Ryu Seongho , Hwang Il Tae
Published: May 2022

Objective: The mechanism underlying postnatal growth failure and catch-up growth in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) children is poorly understood. This study investigated the exosomal miRNA signature associated with catch-up growth in SGA children. Methods: In total, 16 SGA and 10 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) children were included. Serum exosomal miRNA was analyzed using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Exosomal miRNA was profiled for five SGA children with catch-up growth (SGA-CU), six SGA children without CU growth (SGA-nCU), and five AGA children. Results: Exosomal miRNA profiles were clustered into three clear groups. The exosomal miRNA expression profiles of the SGA-nCU group differed from those of the SGA-CU and AGA groups. In all, 22 miRNAs were differentially expressed between SGA-nCU and AGA, 19 between SGA-nCU and SGA-CU, and only 6 between SGA-CU and AGA. In both SGA-nCU and SGA-CU, miR-874-3p was upregulated and miR-6126 was downregulated. Therefore, these two miRNAs could serve as biomarkers for SGA. Compared with SGA-CU and AGA, miR-30c-5p, miR-363-3p, miR-29a-3p, and miR-29c-3p were upregulated in SGA-nCU, while miR-629-5p and miR-23a-5p were downregulated. These six miRNAs could be associated with growth failure in SGA-nCU children. Conclusions: SGA children without CU have a distinct exosomal miRNA expression profile compared with AGA and SGA children with CU. Exosomal miRNAs could serve as novel biomarkers for CU.
Insight from OPN1LW Gene Haplotypes into the Cause and Prevention of Myopia
Authors: Neitz Maureen , Wagner-Schuman Melissa , Rowlan Jessica S. , Kuchenbecker James A. , Neitz Jay
Published: May 2022

Nearsightedness (myopia) is a global health problem of staggering proportions that has driven the hunt for environmental and genetic risk factors in hopes of gaining insight into the underlying mechanism and providing new avenues of intervention. Myopia is the dominant risk factor for leading causes of blindness, including myopic maculopathy and retinal detachment. The fundamental defect in myopia—an excessively elongated eyeball—causes blurry distance vision that is correctable with lenses or surgery, but the risk of blindness remains. Haplotypes of the long-wavelength and middle-wavelength cone opsin genes (OPN1LW and OPN1MW, respectively) that exhibit profound exon-3 skipping during pre-messenger RNA splicing are associated with high myopia. Cone photoreceptors expressing these haplotypes are nearly devoid of photopigment. Conversely, cones in the same retina that express non-skipping haplotypes are relatively full of photopigment. We hypothesized that abnormal contrast signals arising from adjacent cones differing in photopigment content stimulate axial elongation, and spectacles that reduce contrast may significantly slow myopia progression. We tested for an association between spherical equivalent refraction and OPN1LW haplotype in males of European ancestry as determined by long-distance PCR and Sanger sequencing and identified OPN1LW exon 3 haplotypes that increase the risk of common myopia. We also evaluated the effects of contrast-reducing spectacles lenses on myopia progression in children. The work presented here provides new insight into the cause and prevention of myopia progression.
Constraint-Based Spatial Data Management for Cartographic Representation at Different Scales
Authors: Blana Natalia , Tsoulos Lysandros
Published: May 2022

This article elaborates on map-quality evaluation and assessment as a result of the generalization of geospatial data through the development of a methodology, which incorporates a quality data model including constraints. These constraints are used to guide the generalization process and they operate as requirements in quality controls applied for the quality evaluation and assessment of the resulting cartographic data. The quality model stores the required map specifications compiled as constraints, and provides quality measures along with new techniques for the evaluation and assessment of cartographic data quality. This secures the map composition process in each and every step and for all features involved, at any map scale. The methodology developed results in the creation of a scale-dependent cartographic database that contains exclusively the features to be portrayed on the map, generalized properly according to the map scale. It will reduce cartographers’ need to review each transformation throughout the map-composition process with considerable savings in time and money and, on the other hand, it will secure the quality of the final map. The formulation of the proposed methodology amalgamates generalization theory with the authors’ research in computer-assisted cartography, taking into account the work conducted on the topic by other researchers. In this study, the quality requirements, the measures and the associated techniques together with the results of the application of the proposed methodology for area and line features are described in detail to allow others to replicate and build on the presented results.
Seismic Performance Screening and Evaluation for Embankments on Liquefiable Foundation Soils
Authors: Lu Chih-Chieh , Chen Kuan-Yu , Cheng Yun-Ta , Han Yu-Hung
Published: May 2022

This paper proposes a framework for screening and evaluating seismic performance of river earth embankments on liquefiable foundation soils. The framework is executed in the order of simplest screening by soil liquefaction potential map to preliminary and detailed evaluation of seismic performance of embankment according to the sufficiency of data and the complexity and accuracy of the methods. The seismic performances of embankments are classified into four levels based on the seismic-induced crest settlement. The method used for preliminary evaluation is based only on the factors of safety of foundation soils against liquefaction and the embankment slope against sliding. The static softening method (SSM) and dynamic effective stress method (DESM) are suggested for detailed evaluation of seismic performance. SSM is a static FDM or FEM analysis for estimating liquefaction-induced settlement by weakening the strength of the liquefied foundation soil under the action of the self-weight of the embankment. However, DESM is a dynamic history analysis for estimating liquefaction-induced settlement by simulating the generation and dissipation of pore water pressure in the liquefaction process of foundation soils under the action of the self-weight of the soil embankment and its seismic inertial force. The damaged embankment of the Maoluo River in the 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake was used as a case to demonstrate the feasibility of this framework. The results showed that the simpler the adopted method is, the more conservative the estimated settlement.
Communicating Health: Depictions of Depression, Antisocial Personality Disorder, and Autism without Intellectual Disability in British and U.S. Coming-of-Age TV Series
Authors: Lopera-Mármol Marta , Jiménez-Morales Manel , Jiménez-Morales Mònika
Published: May 2022

This article aims to foster a better theoretical understanding of the narrative representation of mental and neurodevelopmental disorders, specifically depression, antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), and autism (ASD), without intellectual disability on British and U.S. coming-of-age and dramedy television series. A research pilot showed that very little research has been performed on TV series and mental disorders, which confirms the need for this particular study. To do so, the authors explore, through a systemized literature review, the depiction of medical aspects found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which correspond to symptoms, diagnosis, medication, and treatment within the narrative. The theoretical results seem to indicate that there has been an improvement regarding the framing of mental and neurodevelopmental disorders, but there are still copious misrepresentations and a lack of depictions of the economic realities of the healthcare system. Only a few exceptions show non-normative Western aspects, such as physical traits and gender intersectionality. In conclusion, more profound and analytical knowledge of narrative elements will provide creators with a better capacity to recognize and counter stigmatizing portrayals of these disorders to have a more positive social impact and contribute to edutainment.
Can Weight Loss Improve the Cardiovascular Outcomes of Patients with Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea?
Authors: Alruwaily Ayyad , Alruwaili Heshma , Garvey John , le Roux Carel W.
Published: May 2022

Cardiovascular events are the primary cause of mortality in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and obesity. The rising prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea in recent decades has been linked to increasing rates of obesity. Obstructive sleep apnea has also been linked with many different cardiovascular diseases including coronary artery disease, stroke, heart failure, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation. Obesity is an increasing health concern globally, in part because obesity complications such as hypertension, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. More than 10% weight loss may be required to prevent or reverse obesity complications. Treatment approaches to obesity include nutritional therapy, exercise therapy, pharmacotherapy, and surgical therapies. This review intends to identify the effects of weight loss on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with obesity and obstructive sleep apnea. Despite the strong association between cardiovascular diseases and obstructive sleep apnea, randomized trials have failed to demonstrate that treatment of obstructive sleep apnea reduces cardiovascular events, even in patients with established cardiovascular diseases. Weight loss in patients with obstructive sleep apnea improves HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, but thus far no changes in cardiovascular events have been shown. The combination of weight loss with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) appears more beneficial than either treatment in isolation. Large well-controlled trials in patients with obstructive sleep apnea to assess the effects of different weight reduction programs on cardiovascular disease are still needed.
Profiles of Sleep Duration and Psychological Distress among Puerto Ricans Living in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Survey and Latent Class Analysis
Authors: Villalobos Kevin , Montiel Ishino Francisco A. , Williams Faustine
Published: May 2022

Sleep duration affects physiological functioning and mental health outcomes among Hispanics/Latinos. The limited research reports that Hispanic/Latino subpopulations like Puerto Ricans carry a disproportionate burden. To understand this burden, we identified profiles of sleep duration by psychological distress among Puerto Rican adults (N = 4443) using latent class analysis on 2010–2019 National Health Interview Survey data. The outcome of sleep was constructed from self-reports of sleep duration and difficulties falling and staying asleep. Sleep duration was categorized as short sleep (≤6 h), normal sleep (7 to 8 h), and long sleep (≥9 h). Mental health indicators included psychological distress items from the Kessler-6 scale. Health behaviors (nicotine and alcohol use), weight (calculated body mass index), food security, acculturative factors (language use), and socio-economic/socio-demographic covariates were considered to further differentiate profiles. Six profiles were identified: troubled shortest sleep (5.0% of sample) with high psychological distress; highly troubled short sleep (8.0%) with little psychological distress; some disturbed and shortened sleep (10.0%) with moderate psychological distress; undisturbed and shortened sleep (28.0%) with little psychological distress; normal/average sleep (49.0%); and long sleep (1.0%) with moderate psychological distress. While our study is among the first to identify profiles that are at the highest mental health risk due to sleep issues, the findings and approach help examine the complex disparity among Puerto Ricans to then leverage complex survey data for interventional designs.
Do They Really Work? Quantifying Fabric Mask Effectiveness to Improve Public Health Messaging
Authors: Freeman Charles , Burch Reuben , Strawderman Lesley , Black Catherine , Saucier David , Rickert Jaime , Wilson John , Seitz Holli , Stull Jeffrey
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to compare masks (non-medical/fabric, surgical, and N95 respirators) on filtration efficiency, differential pressure, and leakage with the goal of providing evidence to improve public health messaging. Masks were tested on an anthropometric face filtration mount, comparing both sealed and unsealed. Overall, surgical and N95 respirators provided significantly higher filtration efficiency (FE) and differential pressure (dP). Leakage comparisons are one of the most significant factors in mask efficiency. Higher weight and thicker fabric masks had significantly higher filtration efficiency. The findings of this study have important implications for communication and education regarding the use of masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses, specifically the differences between sealed and unsealed masks. The type and fabric of facial masks and whether a mask is sealed or unsealed has a significant impact on the effectiveness of a mask. Findings related to differences between sealed and unsealed masks are of critical importance for health care workers. If a mask is not completely sealed around the edges of the wearer, FE for this personal protective equipment is misrepresented and may create a false sense of security. These results can inform efforts to educate health care workers and the public on the importance of proper mask fit.
Relationship between Health Counselor Characteristics and Counseling Impact on Individuals at High-Risk for Lifestyle-Related Disease: Sub-Analysis of the J-HARP Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Noguchi Midori , Kinuta Minako , Sairenchi Toshimi , Yamakawa Miyae , Koide Keiko , Katsura Shoko , Matsuo Kazue , Omote Shizuko , Imano Hironori , Nishizawa Hitoshi , Shimomura Iichiro , Iso Hiroyasu ,   On behalf of the J-HARP Research Group
Published: May 2022

Early diagnosis and treatment are necessary to prevent lifestyle-related diseases among high-risk individuals. This study aimed to examine the impact of counselor characteristics on clinic visits among individuals at high risk for lifestyle-related diseases. A total of 8975 patients aged 40 to 74 years with lifestyle-related comorbidities, who underwent an annual health checkup and received health counseling, were included in this study. Data intervention timing, mode of counseling, number of counseling sessions, and explanation methods were collected. We assessed the impact of counselor characteristics, including profession (public health nurse, clinical nurse, and nutritionist), age, and years of counseling experience, on counseling outcomes. The probability ratios (95% confidence intervals) of clinic visits were 1.22 (1.11–1.35) for public health nurses and 1.04 (0.90–1.20) for nurses compared with nutritionists. After adjustment for participant and counselor characteristics and initial timing, mode, and number of counseling sessions, the corresponding probability ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.16 (1.05–1.29) and 1.12 (0.95–1.31), respectively. Counselor age and years of experience did not influence clinic visits of the target population. Public health nurses were more effective in increasing clinic visits among the target population owing to their profession-specific knowledge, skills, and experience.
A Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Self-Attachment to Treat Chronic Anxiety and/or Depression in Iranian Women
Authors: Edalat Abbas , Farsinezhad Massoumeh , Bokharaei Makhsoos , Judy Fateme
Published: May 2022

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of the new Self-Attachment Technique (SAT) in treating resistant anxiety and depression, lasting at least three years, among Iranian women from different social backgrounds. In this self-administrable and algorithmic intervention, the participant, using their childhood photos, imaginatively creates an affectional bond with their childhood self, vows to consistently support and lovingly re-raise this child to emotional well-being. We conducted a longitudinal study with repeated measurement to evaluate the efficacy of SAT using ANOVA. Thirty-eight women satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited from different parts of Tehran. To describe the SAT protocols, a total of eight one-to-one sessions were offered to the recruits, the first four were weekly while the last four were fortnightly. The participants were expected to practice the protocols for twenty minutes twice a day. Two questionnaires, GAD-7 and PHQ-9, were used to measure anxiety and depression levels before and after the intervention and in a three-month follow-up. Thirty women completed the course. The change in anxiety level between the pre-test and the post-test was significant at p < 0.001 with effect size 2.5. The change in anxiety between pre-test and follow-up test was also significant at p < 0.001 with effect size 3.5. The change in anxiety between the post-test and the follow-up was significant at p < 0.05 with effect size 0.6. For depression, the changes between pre-test and post-test as well as between pre-test and follow-up were significant at p < 0.001 with effect size 2.3 and 3.1 respectively.
The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women’s Feelings during a Hospital Stay
Authors: Kułak-Bejda Agnieszka , Bejda Grzegorz , Krajewska-Kułak Elżbieta , Ślifirczyk Anna , Chilińska Joanna , Moczydłowska Alicja , Waszkiewicz Napoleon , Sobolewski Marek
Published: May 2022

Introduction: The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) affected individuals and society and caused disruption, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. Being hospitalized during the pandemic increase a patient’s negative feelings. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients’ feelings (loneliness, depression, hope, self-efficacy) during a hospital stay. Materials and methods: This study included 207 women, aged from 15 to 83 years (55 ± 21.2) that were hospitalized during the pandemic in Białystok, Łomża, and Biała Podlaska, Poland at internal medicine departments. The main reasons for hospitalization were cardiovascular diseases, abdominal pain, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, diabetes, and unknown fever. Respondents were asked to complete the following questionnaires: Sense of Loneliness (the DJGLS), Depression Beck Inventory (BDI), Basic Hope (BHI-12), and Self-Efficacy (GSES). Results: Most of the studied group of women had an average sense of loneliness. A greater sense of loneliness was found among hospitalized women living in the countryside—the lowest sense of loneliness and depression was among women with higher education and the highest sense of effectiveness. One-third of respondents had a moderate degree of depression. Of the respondents, 39% had a relatively high level of basic hope. The assessment of self-efficacy demonstrated that 52% of the respondents showed a high sense of self-efficacy, an average sense of self-efficacy was shown by 35.5% of the respondents, and a low sense of self-efficacy was shown by 12.6% of the respondents. Conclusions: Numerous hospitalized women during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite experiencing moderate depression, had an average sense of loneliness and a high level of hope and self-efficacy.
The Impacts of COVID-19 on Distance Education with the Application of Traditional and Digital Appliances: Evidence from 60 Developing Countries
Authors: Li Jiajia , Yang Shiyu , Chen Changju , Li Houjian
Published: May 2022

Educational disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic during school closures have become a remarkable social issue, particularly among the developing countries. Ample literature has verified the adverse effects of the long-lasing epidemic on school education. However, rare studies seek to understand the association between the severity of COVID-19 and distance learning, an alternative education pattern, and foster policy designs to promote educational transition, particularly targeting the post-crisis phase of the COVID-19. By combining four data surveys, this article empirically examines the impacts of COVID-19 on children’s distance education with the application of various appliances across 60 developing countries. The results suggest that, after controlling socio-economic, geographic, and demographic variables, a higher level of mortality rate of COVID-19 contributes to more households participating in distance education. In particular, this positive term is larger for distance education by using TVs and radios compared with the usage of digital appliances. To explore the potential channel of the above linkage, this article argues that the positive association between mortality rate and the use of traditional appliances is weakened through higher levels of stringency in lockdown measures. Timely policies are, therefore, recommended to guide towards distance learning with economic and technological supports to guarantee a wave of inclusive educational recovery in the ongoing post-COVID-19 era.
The Effectiveness and Trade-Offs of Renewable Energy Policies in Achieving the Dual Decarbonization Goals in China: A Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium Analysis
Authors: Wei Wei , He Ling , Li Xiaofan , Cui Qi , Chen Hao
Published: May 2022

China’s government has enforced a series of renewable energy policies to promote renewable energy development and achieve the dual decarbonization goals. However, there exists great disparity in previous studies on the effectiveness and suitability of renewable energy policies in abating carbon emissions. This study employs a dynamic general equilibrium model and assesses the effectiveness and trade-offs of renewable energy policies in achieving the dual decarbonization goals by 2060 in China. These policies include carbon market (CRP), the reduction of feed-in tariffs (FIT), the reduction of fossil fuel subsidies (FSB), the reduction of renewable energy costs (REC), resource taxes (RTX), and renewable portfolio standards (REP) as well as the mix of these policies. We find that renewable energy policies together could abate China’s CO2 emissions in 2060 by 2.57 billion tons, but their effectiveness is very different. The REC would have the greatest effectiveness in abating CO2 emissions, followed by REP and CRP. Renewable energy policies would cause relatively slight damage to China’s GDP, with the exception of the REC (raising GDP by 1.1713%). Regarding trade-offs, most policies will sacrifice China’s internal and external demand but benefit employment. Renewable energy policies will effectively promote the low-carbon transformation of China’s energy structure.
Re-Developing the Adversity Response Profile for Chinese University Students
Authors: Wang Xiang , Yan Zi , Huang Yichao , Tang Anqi , Chen Junjun
Published: May 2022

Adversity response is fundamental to dealing with adversity. This paper reports the re-development and subsequent psychometric evaluation of the Adversity Response Profile for Chinese University Students (ARP-CUS). The data were collected from a Chinese university student sample (n = 474). Factor analysis and Rasch analysis were used to examine the psychometric properties of the ARP-CUS. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a six-factor model; then confirmatory factor analysis supported a five-factor solution. Rasch analysis provided further evidence of the psychometric quality of the instrument in terms of dimensionality, rating scale effectiveness, and item fit statistics for those six dimensions. The final version of the ARP-CUS contains 24 items across five subscales for assessing students’ responses to adversity, including control, attribution, reach, endurance, and transcendence. Overall, ARP-CUS demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties for quantifying the adversity quotient of Chinese university students.
Puberal and Adolescent Horse Riders’ Fitness during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Effects of Training Restrictions on Health-Related and Functional Motor Abilities
Authors: Demarie Sabrina , Chirico Emanuele , Bratta Cecilia , Cortis Cristina
Published: May 2022

The aim of the study was to analyse the fitness level of young horse riders before and after 12 weeks of training restrictions instituted due to the COVID-19 emergency. Anthropometrical measure assessment and an eight-items fitness test battery were administered to 61 puberal and adolescent female amateur horse riders. Subjects were evaluated within 3 weeks before (pre-tests) the period of training restrictions and on the first day of normal training after it (post-tests). Post-test results showed significant increases in body weight (Z: −1.732; p value: 0.001; ES: −0.157) and BMI (F: 9.918; p value: 0.003; ES: 0.146), whilst the performance in hand grip and abdominal strength, hip mobility, and 10 × 5 m Shuttle and Cooper 12 min tests’ outcomes significantly decreased (F: 29.779; p value: 0.001 F: 29.779; p value: 0.001 F: 29.779; p value: 0.001 F: 29.779; p value: 0.001 F: 29.779; p value: 0.001, respectively). Correlation analysis revealed that riders’ experience was significantly correlated with hand grip (p < 0.01), leg strength (p < 0.01), hip mobility (p < 0.05), and 5 × 10 m Shuttle (p < 0.01) and the Cooper 12 min (p < 0.01) test results. It could be suggested that equestrian activities could produce a higher fitness level in puberal and adolescent riders, whilst home-based, unsupervised, and unattentively planned training during the twelve weeks of training restrictions might be insufficient to maintain it.
Promising Low-Cost Adsorbent from Waste Green Tea Leaves for Phenol Removal in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ali Asmat , Siddique Maria , Chen Wei , Han Zhixin , Khan Romana , Bilal Muhammad , Waheed Ummara , Shahzadi Irum
Published: May 2022

Phenol is the most common organic pollutant in many industrial wastewaters that may pose a health risk to humans due to its widespread application as industrial ingredients and additives. In this study, waste green tea leaves (WGTLs) were modified through chemical activation/carbonization and used as an adsorbent in the presence of ultrasound (cavitation) to eliminate phenol in the aqueous solution. Different treatments, such as cavitation, adsorption, and sono-adsorption were investigated to remove the phenol. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) morphology of the adsorbent revealed that the structure of WGTLs was porous before phenol was adsorbed. A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis showed an open chain of carboxylic acids after the sono-adsorption process. The results revealed that the sono-adsorption process is more efficient with enhanced removal percentages than individual processes. A maximum phenol removal of 92% was obtained using the sono-adsorption process under an optimal set of operating parameters, such as pH 3.5, 25 mg L−1 phenol concentration, 800 mg L−1 adsorbent dosage, 60 min time interval, 30 ± 2 °C temperature, and 80 W cavitation power. Removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) reached 85% and 53%. The Freundlich isotherm model with a larger correlation coefficient (R2, 0.972) was better fitted for nonlinear regression than the Langmuir model, and the sono-adsorption process confirmed the pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics. The findings indicated that WGTLs in the presence of a cavitation effect prove to be a promising candidate for reducing phenol from the aqueous environment.
Simulation and Projection of Climate Extremes in China by a Set of Statistical Downscaled Data
Authors: Wei Linxiao , Liu Lyuliu , Jing Cheng , Wu Yao , Xin Xiaoge , Yang Baogang , Tang Hongyu , Li Yonghua , Wang Yong , Zhang Tianyu , Zhang Fen
Published: May 2022

This study assesses present-day extreme climate changes over China by using a set of phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) statistical downscaled data and raw models outputs. The downscaled data is produced by the adapted spatial disaggregation and equal distance cumulative distribution function (EDCDF) method at the resolution of 0.25° × 0.25° for the present day (1961–2014) and the future period (2015–2100) under the Shared Socioeconomic Path-way (SSP) 2-4.5 than SSP5-8.5 emission scenario. The results show that the downscaling method improves the spatial distributions of extreme climate events in China with higher spatial pattern correlations, Taylor Skill Scores and closer magnitudes no matter single model or multi model ensemble (MME). In the future projections, large inter-model variability between the downscaled models still exists, particular for maximum consecutive 5-day precipitation (RX5). The downscaled MME projects that total precipitation (PTOT) and RX5, will increase with time, especially for the northwest China. The projected heavy precipitation days (R20) also increase in the future. The region of significant increase in R20 locates in the south of river Yangtze. Maxi-mum annual temperature (TXX) and percentage of warm days (TX90p) are projected to increase across the whole country with larger magnitude over the west China. Projected changes of minimum annual temperature (TNN) over the northeastern China is the most significant area. The higher of the emission scenario, the more significant of extreme climates. This reveals that the spatial distribution of extreme climate events will become more uneven in the future.