bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Graphical Fuzzy Metric Spaces with Application to Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Saleem Naeem , Ishtiaq Umar , Guran Liliana , Bota Monica-Felicia
Published: April 2022

In this article, the authors introduced the concept of graphical fuzzy metric spaces which is a generalization of fuzzy metric spaces with the help of a relation. The authors discussed some topological structure, convergence criteria, and proved a Banach fixed-point result in graphical fuzzy metric space. As an application of obtained results, the authors find a solution of an integral equation and nonlinear fractional differential equations in the context of graphical fuzzy metric spaces. The authors provided some examples to illustrate the obtained results herein.
Eco-Friendly Synthesized PVA/Chitosan/Oxalic Acid Nanocomposite Hydrogels Embedding Silver Nanoparticles as Antibacterial Materials
Authors: Popescu Irina , Constantin Marieta , Pelin Irina M. , Suflet Dana M. , Ichim Daniela L. , Daraba Oana M. , Fundueanu Gheorghe
Published: April 2022

PVA/chitosan (PVA/CS) composite hydrogels incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were prepared by double-cross-linked procedures: freeze–thawing and electrostatic interactions. Oxalic acid (OA) was used both for solubilization and ionic cross-linking of CS. AgNPs covered by CS (CS-AgNPs) with an average diameter of 9 nm and 18% silver were obtained in the presence of CS, acting as reducing agent and particle stabilizer. The increase of the number of freeze–thaw cycles, as well as of the PVA:CS and OA:CS ratios, resulted in an increase of the gel fraction and elastic modulus. Practically, the elastic modulus of the hydrogels increased from 3.5 kPa in the absence of OA to 11.6 kPa at a 1:1 OA:CS weight ratio, proving that OA was involved in physical cross-linking. The physicochemical properties were not altered by the addition of CS-AgNPs in low concentration; however, concentrations higher than 3% resulted in low gel fraction and elastic modulus. The amount of silver released from the composite hydrogels is very low (<0.4%), showing that AgNPs were well trapped within the polymeric matrix. The composite hydrogels displayed antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, K. pneumoniae or P. gingivalis. The low cytotoxicity and the antibacterial efficacy of hydrogels recommend them for wound and periodontitis treatment.
Stoichiometric Ratio Controlled Dimension Transition and Supramolecular Chirality Enhancement in a Two-Component Assembly System
Authors: Zhang Penghui , Liu Yiran , Fang Xinkuo , Ma Li , Wang Yuanyuan , Ji Lukang
Published: April 2022

To control the dimension of the supramolecular system was of great significance. We construct a two component self-assembly system, in which the gelator LHC18 and achiral azobenzene carboxylic acid could co-assembly and form gels. By modulating the stoichiometric ratio of the two components, not only the morphology could be transformed from 1D nanaotube to 0D nanospheres but also the supramolecualr chirality could be tuned. This work could provide some insights to the control of dimension and the supramolecular chirality in the two-component systems by simply modulating the stoichiometric ratio.
Desertification in the Sahel Region: A Product of Climate Change or Human Activities? A Case of Desert Encroachment Monitoring in North-Eastern Nigeria Using Remote Sensing Techniques
Authors: Ibrahim Esther Shupel , Ahmed Bello , Arodudu Oludunsin Tunrayo , Abubakar Jibril Babayo , Dang Bitrus Akila , Mahmoud Mahmoud Ibrahim , Shaba Halilu Ahmad , Shamaki Sanusi Bello
Published: April 2022

Desertification has become one of the most pronounced ecological disasters, affecting arid and semi-arid areas of Nigeria. This phenomenon is more pronounced in the northern region, particularly the eleven frontline states of Nigeria, sharing borders with the Niger Republic. This has been attributed to a range of natural and anthropogenic factors. Rampant felling of trees for fuelwood, unsustainable agriculture, overgrazing, coupled with unfavourable climatic conditions are among the key factors that aggravate the desertification phenomenon. This study applied geospatial analysis to explore land use/land cover changes and detect major conversions from ecologically active land covers to sand dunes. Results indicate that areas covered by sand dunes (a major indicator of desertification) have doubled over the 25 years under consideration (1990 to 2015). Even though 0.71 km2 of dunes was converted to vegetation, indicative of the success of various international, national, local and individual afforestation efforts, conversely about 10.1 km2 of vegetation were converted to sand dunes, implying around 14 times more deforestation compared to afforestation. On average, our results revealed that the sand dune in the study area is progressing at a mean annual rate of 15.2 km2 annually. The land cover conversion within the 25-year study period was from vegetated land to farmlands. Comparing the progression of a sand dune with climate records of the study area and examining the relationship between indicators of climate change and desertification suggested a mismatch between both processes, as increasing rainfall and lower temperatures observed in 1994, 2005, 2012, and 2014 did not translate into positive feedbacks for desertification in the study area. Likewise, the mean annual Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) from 2000 to 2015 shows a deviation between vegetation peaks, mean temperatures and rainfall. On average, our results reveal that the sand dune is progressing at a mean annual rate of about 15.2 km2 in the study area. Based on this study’s land cover change, trend and conversion assessment, visual reconciliation of climate records of land cover data, statistical analysis, observations from ground-truthing, as well as previous literature, it can be inferred that desertification in Nigeria is less a function of climate change, but more a product of human activities driven by poverty, population growth and failed government policies. Further projections by this study also reveal a high probability of more farmlands being converted to sand dunes by the years 2030 and 2045 if current practices prevail.
Effect of Boulder Size on Debris Flow Impact Pressure Using a CFD-DEM Numerical Model
Authors: Chehade Rime , Chevalier Bastien , Dedecker Fabian , Breul Pierre , Thouret Jean-Claude
Published: April 2022

Debris flows (DFs) are dangerous events that can cause the complete destruction of buildings and infrastructure, such as bridges; DFs therefore represent a high risk to public safety in exposed areas. The impact pressures due to these flows are essentially determined by the flow height, velocity and density, but other parameters that are less often considered are also involved. We developed a numerical model to evaluate the impact pressure of mass flows, focusing on a better description of the influence of the blocks transported in these flows: the block size strongly influences the impact pressure, which has a strong effect on structural damage. The numerical model proposed considers a staggered, loosely one-way granular–fluid coupling based on a distinct-element-method code, using the separate simulation results of a computing fluid dynamics code used to model the fluid phase. This model estimates the impact pressure distribution due to blocks at the local scale of the obstacle; the pressure due to the fluid phase can be added afterwards. The pressure applied by the DF increased with the maximum block size for a given set of DF characteristics: velocity, height and apparent density. The vulnerability of a given structure depends on the intensity of DFs: the pressure applied on the structure is one of considerable intensity. The existing vulnerability functions are interpreted in the light of the results obtained with the numerical model. This interpretation highlights the need to integrate new parameters in the intensity to better evaluate structures’ vulnerability to debris flows.
Cascadia Subduction Zone Residents’ Tsunami Evacuation Expectations
Authors: Lindell Michael K. , Prater Carla S. , House Donald H.
Published: April 2022

The U.S. Pacific Northwest coast must be prepared to evacuate immediately after a Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquake. This requires coastal residents to understand the tsunami threat, have accurate expectations about warning sources, engage in preimpact evacuation preparedness actions, and plan (and practice) their evacuation logistics, including an appropriate transportation mode, evacuation route, and destination. A survey of 221 residents in three communities identified areas in which many coastal residents have reached adequate levels of preparedness. Moreover, residents who are not adequately prepared are willing to improve their performance in most of the areas in which they fall short. However, many respondents expect to engage in time-consuming evacuation preparations before evacuating. Additionally, their estimates of evacuation travel time might be inaccurate because only 28–52% had practiced their evacuation routes. These results indicate that more coastal residents should prepare grab-and-go kits to speed their departure, as well as practice evacuation preparation and evacuation travel to test the accuracy of these evacuation time estimates. Overall, these results, together with recommendations for overcoming them, can guide CSZ emergency managers in methods of improving hazard awareness and education programs. In addition, these data can guide transportation engineers’ evacuation analyses and evacuation plans.
Memory Traces in The Reign of King Edward III
Authors: Baldo Jonathan
Published: April 2022

Indirectly addressing the authorship question in the anonymous The Reign of King Edward III, this paper focuses on a signature of Shakespeare’s treatment of English history, a concern with the political implications of remembering and forgetting. Multiple ironies attend the unstable relation of remembering and forgetting in the play. The opening of Edward III gives the impression that England’s forgetful enemies, Scotland and France, require schooling by a nation that appears to own memory. However, initial appearances prove to be deceiving, as three early Shakespearean scenes prominently feature lapses of English memory, causing the early alignment of England with faithful memory to slip away. There are traces of a distinctly Shakespearean approach to history—one that interrogates the mixed effects of historical memory itself and the values commonly assigned to remembering and forgetting—in The Reign of King Edward III. A consideration of the scenes that share the practice of Shakespeare’s histories—of not simply reviving the past but also reflecting on the motivations and conflicts associated with recollection—accords well with previous attributions of those scenes to Shakespeare on stylistic grounds.
Risk Factors of Dental Caries in Preschool Children in Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Boonyawong Manarin , Auychai Prim , Duangthip Duangporn
Published: April 2022

Dental caries remains prevalent in young children. This study determined dental caries prevalence and risk factors associated with caries experience in Thai preschool children. Five kindergartens in Samut Sakhon Province were evaluated. Preschool children (4- to 5-year-old children) were recruited. The participants’ parents completed a questionnaire regarding their children’s demographic and socio-economic backgrounds and their oral health-related behaviors. Dental caries status and oral hygiene were recorded using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (dmft) and visible plaque index (VPI), respectively. In total, 308 children completed the oral examination (93.9% response rate). The mean age of the children was 5.1 ± 0.5 years old. Among them, 249 children (80.8%) had dental caries (dmft > 0) and their mean dmft score (SD) was 8.2 (4.7). The children’s age, VPI, primary caregiver, age of starting tooth brushing, assisted tooth brushing, and mother’s education level were significantly associated with dental caries (X2test, p < 0.05). The multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that older children with a higher VPI score and whose mothers had lower education had a significantly higher risk of having dental caries (p < 0.05). Caries prevalence was high among the evaluated Thai preschool children. The child’s age, visible dental plaque, and mother’s educational level are significant risk factors for dental caries.
Nurses’ Attitudes towards Selected Social Groups: Cross-Sectional Survey among Polish Nurses
Authors: Lesińska-Sawicka Małgorzata
Published: April 2022

Background: Attitude is a relatively permanent inclination towards a positive or negative evaluation of a given social or physical object, which determines a person’s disposition towards their surrounding social reality and informs his/her behavior. Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the attitudes of nursing staff, in terms of the emotional and behavioral components, in relation to selected social groups: a Roma person, a hearing-impaired person, a Muslim, and a person of a homosexual orientation. Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted by means of an Internet questionnaire. Methods: This study included 3900 nurses from Poland who were participants in social networking sites and discussion groups for nurses. The study data were collected by using a self-constructed survey questionnaire. The results were reported using the STROBE Checklist. Results: The following scale was adopted: mean 1.0–3.5—positive attitude, 3.6–6.0—negative attitude. Respondents showed positive attitudes towards patient groups (1.67–2.30), the least positive being towards Muslims (2.30) and Roma (2.21). The respondents predicted that during the performance of professional activities, they would have the biggest problem with a person of homosexual orientation (22.1%) or a Muslim person (19.0%). The results show that the age and length of service most often influence attitudes towards patients from different social groups. Conclusions: Respondents with a longer period of work experience and respondents with lower education, despite declaring positive attitudes towards the surveyed social groups, expressed negative statements towards Muslims and homosexuals. Cultural education during the undergraduate and postgraduate studies of nursing staff is essential. Impact Statement: This research indicates that the lesser the need for direct involvement in interactions with patients from other groups, the greater the willingness to accept the situation in which care is provided.
The Performance, Physiology and Morphology of Female and Male Olympic-Distance Triathletes
Authors: Puccinelli Paulo J. , de Lira Claudio A. B. , Vancini Rodrigo L. , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Knechtle Beat , Rosemann Thomas , Andrade Marilia S.
Published: April 2022

Sex differences in triathlon performance have been decreasing in recent decades and little information is available to explain it. Thirty-nine male and eighteen female amateur triathletes were evaluated for fat mass, lean mass, maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max), ventilatory threshold (VT), respiratory compensation point (RCP), and performance in a national Olympic triathlon race. Female athletes presented higher fat mass (p = 0.02, d = 0.84, power = 0.78) and lower lean mass (p < 0.01, d = 3.11, power = 0.99). VO2 max (p < 0.01, d = 1.46, power = 0.99), maximal aerobic velocity (MAV) (p < 0.01, d = 2.05, power = 0.99), velocities in VT (p < 0.01, d = 1.26, power = 0.97), and RCP (p < 0.01, d = 1.53, power = 0.99) were significantly worse in the female group. VT (%VO2 max) (p = 0.012, d = 0.73, power = 0.58) and RCP (%VO2 max) (p = 0.005, d = 0.85, power = 0.89) were higher in the female group. Female athletes presented lower VO2 max value, lower lean mass, and higher fat mass. However, females presented higher values of aerobic endurance (%VO2 max), which can attenuate sex differences in triathlon performance. Coaches and athletes should consider that female athletes can maintain a higher percentage of MAV values than males during the running split to prescribe individual training.
Patient-Perceived Health System Responsiveness of the Epilepsy Management Project in Rural China during the Period of COVID-19
Authors: Qin Lulu , Chen Si , Feng Xianglin , Luo Bangan , Chen Yiwei
Published: April 2022

Health system responsiveness (HSR) measures the experience of health-system users in terms of the non-clinical domains of the health system, which has been regarded as the three major goals of health performance evaluation. Good HSR may promote the use of health services and ultimately the health of patients. However, the HSR has not been measured as the main goal of the Epilepsy Management Project (EMP) in rural China. This study aims to evaluate the levels and distributions of the patient-perceived HSR of the EMP in rural China during the period of COVID-19 and identify its relevant factors so as to provide advice on the improvement of further strategies. Based on the key informant survey (KIS) of responsiveness from the World Health Organization proposal, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 420 epilepsy patients selected proportional randomly from seven rural areas in the Hunan province of China in 2021. Eight domains of patients-perceived HSR were assessed by face-to-face interview. The overall HSR scored at a fairly “good” level of 8.3 (8.3 out of a maximum of 10.0). During the COVID-19 period, the scores of responsiveness domains were highest at 8.66 to 8.93 in “confidentiality”, “dignity” and “choice of providers”, while lowest at 8.38 to 8.53 in “prompt attention”, “social support” and “basic amenities”. The representative responsiveness equality index (REI) was 0.732, indicating the moderately balanced distributions of responsiveness of the EMP in rural China. Female, old age, and low education were significantly related to the lower HSR scores of rural EMP (p < 0.05). The HSR of EMP in rural China was fairly good. However, measures to improve the patient-perceived HSR are still needed, especially including better service, higher social support, and more comfortable medical environments.
Appropriate Needle Length Determined by Ultrasonic Echography for Intramuscular Injection in Japanese Elderly over 50 Years
Authors: Nakayama Tetsuo , Sekino Hisakuni , Aihara Hirokazu , Kino Minoru
Published: April 2022

Adjuvanted vaccines are administered through intramuscular injection. To perform appropriate injection using an appropriate needle in different age groups or different daily living activities, we investigated the depth from the skin surface to muscle fascia and bone in the deltoid muscle area in 156 elderly aged ≥ 50 years by ultrasonic echography. Subjects consisted of 50 healthy elderly aged 50–64 years, 50 subjects aged 65–74 years, and 56 subjects aged ≥ 75 years (20 outpatients, 18 who needed nursing care, and 18 bedridden in a nursing home). The mean depth ± 1.0 SD from the skin surface to muscle fascia was 7.52 ± 2.13 mm for subjects aged ≥ 75 years, being shorter than 9.16 ± 3.02 mm in those aged 50–64years (p < 0.01). The depth from the skin surface to bone was 22.54 ± 3.85 mm for subjects aged ≥ 75 years and 25.41 ± 4.24 mm for those aged 65–74 years, significantly shorter than those aged 50–64 years (p < 0.01), depending on the reduced muscle volume. The subcutaneous volume length was greater in females (8.29 ± 2.63 mm) than in males (5.62 ± 2.80 mm) aged 50–64 years (p < 0.01). A similar result was obtained in those aged 65–74 years, but there was no difference in the muscle volume length. Our study found that a five-eighths of an inch (16 mm) needle was an appropriate length for average-sized elderly aged ≥ 50 years, but it should be longer for those with large body sizes.
Antidepressants and Vertebral and Hip Risk Fracture: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: de Filippis Renato , Mercurio Michele , Spina Giovanna , De Fazio Pasquale , Segura-Garcia Cristina , Familiari Filippo , Gasparini Giorgio , Galasso Olimpio
Published: April 2022

Although antidepressant drugs appear to play an active role in increasing fracture risk, their weight is still unclear. We conducted a PRISMA compliant systematic review and meta-analysis through PubMed/Scopus/Cochrane libraries and registered with PROSPERO (registration number CRD42021254006) to investigate the relationship between antidepressant drugs categories, including SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs, and the risk of hip and vertebral fractures. After screening 3122 items, we finally found 26 papers for qualitative analysis and 11 for quantitative synthesis. A total of 15,209,542 adult and elderly patients were identified, with a mean follow-up of 51 months and a major prevalence of women. We identified results largely for SSRIs, with only a small amount of data for SNRIs, TCAs, and NaSSA. No data were found among the most recent categories of antidepressants, such as vortioxetine and esketamine. All included studies reported hip fractures, while three of them also included vertebral fractures. Overall, we observed a significant effect of SSRIs on fracture risk with a mean effect of 0.98 (95% CI = 0.75–1.20). This meta-analysis reveals that the use of SSRIs increases the risk of fractures. Clinicians’ awareness in antidepressant prescription should optimize their potential while reducing this risk.
Sanitary Registries and Popular Medicinal Plants Used in Medicines and Herbal Remedies in Mexico (2001–2020): A Review and Potential Perspectives
Authors: Rodríguez-Hernández Aida Araceli , Flores-Soria Fernanda Guadalupe , Patiño-Rodríguez Omar , Escobedo-Moratilla Abraham
Published: April 2022

Mexico, a megadiverse country, hosts approximately 10–12% of the world’s biodiversity and at least 21,989–23,424 vascular plants, 3350 of which are traditional medicinal flora. The Mexican Regulation categorizes herbal medicinal products into two groups: herbal medicines products and herbal remedies products. To date, there is no available information that describes and includes analyzed data about these two types of herbal medicinal products registered in Mexico. The purpose of the study was to analyze national sanitary registries of herbal products from 2001 to 2020 and identify native Mexican plants that are most used in herbal products. Further, the study aims to highlight the impact and relevance of this large number of medicinal plants, which represent a great source of information, genetic resources, bioactive compounds, and potential use in subsequent therapies based on scientific evidence. The future of medicines and herbal remedies is underestimated; thus, the significance of evaluating the great potential in studying plants for medicinal use must be taken into account.
Effect of Different Educational Interventions on Knowledge of HPV Vaccination and Cervical Cancer among Young Women: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Takahashi Yuko , Nishida Haruka , Ichinose Takayuki , Miyagawa Yuko , Kido Koichiro , Hiraike Haruko , Ishikawa Hirono , Nagasaka Kazunori
Published: April 2022

The incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer are rising among young women in Japan. In November 2021, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare reinstated the active recommendation for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which was discontinued in June 2013 due to reports of adverse reactions, including chronic pain and motor dysfunction, following vaccination. However, vaccine hesitancy among the younger generation remains, and it is essential to identify the barriers in vaccination uptake. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a randomized study using different methods of providing educational contents to improve health literacy regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination among female students in Japan. Here, we present the results of our preliminary report and discuss current topics related to HPV vaccination in Japan. Data were collected from 27 female students—divided into three groups: no intervention, print-based intervention, and social networking service-based intervention—using the health literacy scale and communicative and critical health literacy scale. Our primary results indicate that participants’ knowledge and health literacy improved post-intervention. Therefore, medical professionals must provide accurate scientific knowledge regarding routine HPV vaccination and the risk of cervical cancer to young women to improve their health literacy and subsequently increase the HPV vaccination rates.
Social Media User Behavior and Emotions during Crisis Events
Authors: Gu Mingyun , Guo Haixiang , Zhuang Jun , Du Yufei , Qian Lijin
Published: April 2022

The wide availability of smart mobile devices and Web 2.0 services has allowed people to easily access news, spread information, and express their opinions and emotions using various social media platforms. However, because of the ease of joining these sites, people also use them to spread rumors and vent their emotions, with the social platforms often playing a facilitation role. This paper collected more than 190,000 messages published on the Chinese Sina-Weibo platform to examine social media user behaviors and emotions during an emergency, with a particular research focus on the “Dr. Li Wenliang” reports associated with the COVID-19 epidemic in China. The verified accounts were found to have the strongest interactions with users, and the sentiment analysis revealed that the news from government agencies had a positive user effect and the national media and trusted experts were more favored by users in an emergency. This research provides a new perspective on trust and the use of social media platforms in crises, and therefore offers some guidance to government agencies.
Educators as Health and Education Mediators for African Asylum Seekers in Israel
Authors: Eliyahu-Levi Dolly
Published: April 2022

Israel is not isolated from the global migration process. It is required to provide a medical, educational, and socio-cultural response to the integration of tens of thousands of African asylum seekers. This qualitative-phenomenological study collected data from 15 educators as a primary source and learned about their actions to mediate health and educational issues for African asylum seekers. The findings reveal four categories: (1) a healthy lifestyle; (2) emotional-behavioral; (3) learning disabilities and special needs; (4) diseases, vaccines, and medical treatments. It seems that educators are forced to take on roles traditionally entrusted to the state, and they have become agents of socialization who mediate between parents and the Israeli health and education system through personal relationships and individual conversations. This study reveals a dual reality: on the one hand, African asylum seekers experience alienation, exclusion, and violence; on the other hand, they gain a positive point of view when parents see the educators as loyal partners and sources of knowledge who can be consulted to receive help in routine times and during the coronavirus pandemic, a time in which they lost their livelihood, health insurance, and ability to understand the new rules of the lockdowns.
Antenatal Corticosteroids to Asian Women Prior to Elective Cesarean Section at Early Term and Effects on Neonatal Respiratory Outcomes
Authors: Arsad Noorazizah , Abd Razak Nurlina , Omar Mohd Hashim , Shafiee Mohamad Nasir , Kalok Aida , Cheah Fook Choe , Lim Pei Shan
Published: April 2022

This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the effects of antenatal corticosteroids in singleton pregnancies of Asian women prior to elective cesarean section (CS) at early term on neonatal respiratory outcomes. Methods: This is a pilot and pragmatic randomized trial conducted at a university hospital in Malaysia. Women with singleton pregnancies planned for elective CS between 37+0 and 38+6 weeks gestation were randomly allocated into the intervention group, where they received two doses of IM dexamethasone 12 mg of 12 h apart, 24 h prior to surgery OR into the standard care, control group, and both groups received the normal routine antenatal care. The primary outcome measures were neonatal respiratory illnesses, NICU admission and length of stay. Results: A total of 189 patients were recruited, 93 women in the intervention group and 96 as controls. Between the steroid and control groups, the mean gestation at CS was similar, 266.1 ± 3.2 days (38 weeks) vs. 265.8 ± 4.0 days (37+6 weeks), p = 0.53. The mean birthweight of infants was 3.06 ± 0.41 kg vs. 3.04 ± 0.37 kg, p = 0.71. Infants with respiratory morbidities were primarily due to transient tachypnea of newborn (9.7% vs. 6.3%), and congenital pneumonia (1.1% vs. 3.1%) but none had respiratory distress syndrome. Only four infants required NICU admission (2.2% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.63). Their average length of stay was not statistically different; 3.5 ± 2.1 days vs. 5.7 ± 1.5 days, p = 0.27. Conclusions: Elective CS at early term before 39 weeks was associated with a modest overall incidence of neonatal respiratory illness (10.1%) in this Asian population. Antenatal dexamethasone did not diminish infants needing respiratory support, NICU admission and length of stay.
In Vitro Assessment and Toxicological Prioritization of Pesticide Mixtures at Concentrations Derived from Real Exposure in Occupational Scenarios
Authors: Tait Sabrina , Lori Gabriele , Tassinari Roberta , La Rocca Cinzia , Maranghi Francesca
Published: April 2022

Humans are daily exposed to multiple residues of pesticides with agricultural workers representing a subpopulation at higher risk. In this context, the cumulative risk assessment of pesticide mixtures is an urgent issue. The present study evaluated, as a case study, the toxicological profiles of thirteen pesticide mixtures used for grapevine protection, including ten active compounds (sulfur, potassium phosphonate, metrafenone, zoxamide, cyflufenamid, quinoxyfen, mancozeb, folpet, penconazole and dimethomorph), at concentrations used on field. A battery of in vitro tests for cell viability and oxidative stress endpoints (cytotoxicity, apoptosis, necrosis, ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential, gene expression of markers for apoptosis and oxidative stress) was performed on two cellular models representative of main target organs of workers’ and population exposure: pulmonary A549 and hepatic HepG2 cell lines. All the endpoints provided evidence for effects also at the lower concentrations used. The overall data were integrated into the ToxPI tool obtaining a toxicity ranking of the mixtures, allowing to prioritize effects also among similarly composed blends. The clustering of the toxicological profiles further provided evidence of common and different modes of action of the mixtures. The approach demonstrated to be suitable for the purpose and it could be applied also in other contexts.
Post-Hurricane Distress Scale (PHDS): Determination of General and Disorder-Specific Cutoff Scores
Authors: Carl Yonatan , Vega Andy , Cardona-Acevedo Gina , Stukova Marina , Matos-Rivera Melissa , Torres-Sanchez Anamaris , Milián-Rodríguez Melissa , Torres-Mercado Brian , Burgos Grisel , Tremblay Raymond L.
Published: April 2022

The Post-Hurricane Distress Scale (PHDS) was developed to assess mental health risk in the aftermath of hurricanes. We derive both disorder-specific cutoff values and a single nonspecific cutoff for the PHDS for field use by disaster relief and mental health workers. Data from 672 adult residents of Puerto Rico, sampled 3 to 12 months after Hurricane Maria, were collected. Participants completed a five-tool questionnaire packet: PHDS, Kessler K6, Patient Health Questionnaire 9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM V (PCL-5). ROC curves, AUC values, sensitivities, specificities, Youden’s index, and LR+ ratios are reported. The recommended single cutoff value for the PHDS is 41, whereby a respondent with a PHDS score of 41 or above is deemed high-risk for a mental health disorder. The single field use PHDS cutoff demonstrated high specificity (0.80), an LR + ratio (2.84), and a sensitivity of 0.56. The mean ROC values of PHDS for Kessler K6, Patient Health Questionnaire 9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7, and PCL-5 were all above 0.74. The derived cutoff for the PHDS allows efficient assessment of respondents’ and/or a community’s risk status for mental health disorders in the aftermath of hurricanes and natural disasters.
Evaluation of an Oral Health Management Project in Connection to a Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Management Project: A Case Study in South Korea
Authors: Yoo Sang-Hee , Jung Se-Hwan , Shin Sun-Jung
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to develop, pilot, and evaluate a three-year integrated preventive management project focused on chronic diseases and oral health prevalence. A total of 1148 users of the health care office of the G Public Health Center with dental risk factors were selected for this study and connected to the dental counseling department. Respondents were classified into a group that would receive counseling-type self-education on oral care and a second group that needed dental care. To evaluate the dental care utilization and satisfaction, a telephone survey was conducted with the 263 people. Oral health behavioral changes were analyzed in 97 comparable subjects who responded to both the oral health basic survey and telephone survey. More than 90% of the subjects who visited the dental clinics were positively satisfied with the system for requesting care and with being referred to dental clinics at the public health center or community dental clinics. Measures of oral health perception and of behavior need showed positive changes. This study was effective in inducing positive changes in the oral health management behavior of chronically ill patients and in promoting the use of preventive management-centered dental care.
Impact of Short-Term Intensive-Type Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Intervention on Internet Addiction among Chinese College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yang Wenjie , Hu Wenyan , Morita Nobuaki , Ogai Yasukazu , Saito Tamaki , Wei Yan
Published: April 2022

The object of this study is to examine the effects of a short-term intensive-type Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) intervention to prevent internet addiction among Chinese college students. We conducted a randomized controlled trial applying a group counseling intervention program based on CBT. Data included 21 participants in the intervention group and 22 participants in the control group. The results showed that the intervention program reduced college students’ internet addiction symptoms and procrastination and improved their sense of coherence. Regarding the sustained effect, internet addiction symptoms decreased and perceived social support from significant others improved in college students. However, the intervention program did not significantly reduce their average daily internet use time and psychological stress. Overall, this study developed a short-term intensive-type intervention program based on CBT theory, which is complementary for Chinese college students with internet addiction.
Healthy Choices in Midlife Predict Survival to Age 85 in Women: The Tromsø Study 1979–2019
Authors: Løvsletten Ola , Brenn Tormod
Published: April 2022

The aim of this study is to examine the association between single risk factors and multiple risk factors in midlife and older ages (up to 64 years) and survival to the age of 85 years in women. The study sample comprised 857 women who attended the second survey of the population-based Tromsø Study (Tromsø2, 1979–1980) at the ages of 45–49 years and were followed for all-cause mortality until 85 years of age. Daily smoking, physical inactivity, being unmarried, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol in midlife were used as explanatory variables in survival analyses. In total, 56% of the women reached the age of 85. Daily smoking, physical inactivity, being unmarried, and obesity were significant single risk factors for death before the age of 85. None of the women had all six risk factors, but survival to age 85 did decrease gradually with increasing number of risk factors: from 67% survival for those with no risk factors to 28% survival for those with four or five risk factors. A subset of the study sample also attended the third and fourth surveys of the Tromsø Study (Tromsø3, 1986–1987 and Tromsø4, 1994–1995, respectively). Women who quit smoking and those who became physically active between Tromsø3 and Tromsø4 had higher survival when compared to those who continued to smoke and remained physically inactive, respectively. This study demonstrates the importance of having no or few risk factors in midlife with respect to longevity. We observed a substantial increase in the risk of death before the age of 85 among women who were daily smokers, physically inactive, unmarried, or obese in midlife. This risk may be mitigated by lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and becoming physically active later in life.
Risk Factors for the Development of Persistent Stuttering: What Every Pediatrician Should Know
Authors: Costa Julia Biancalana , Ritto Ana Paula , Juste Fabiola , Sassi Fernanda Chiarion , de Andrade Claudia Regina Furquim
Published: April 2022

Early identification and adequate treatment of children who stutter is important, since it has an impact on speech development. Considering the importance of aiding pediatricians to recognize children at risk for developing persistent stuttering, the aim of the present study was to correlate speech fluency characteristics of children, whose parents reported stuttering behaviors, to the risk factors of persistent stuttering. The participants were 419 children aged 2:0 to 11:11 years, who were divided into two groups: children with stuttering complaints (CSC), composed of children whose parents reported the presence of stuttering behaviors; and children with no stuttering complaint (CNSCs), composed of children with no stuttering behaviors. Risk variables were gathered based on a questionnaire answered by parents involving the following variables: sex, presence of family history of stuttering, whether stuttering behaviors were observed for more than 12 months, whether stuttering behaviors began before 5 years of age, increased effort to speak (i.e., syllable and sound repetitions and fixed articulatory positions), negative family attitude towards the child’s speech, and negative attitude towards the child’s own speech. The diagnosis of stuttering was determined by a formal speech assessment by a pathologist (SLP). The risk analysis indicated that increased effort to speak, negative family attitude towards the child’s speech, and complaints of stuttering for more than 12 months were associated with a higher risk of stuttering in children. Therefore, when pediatricians are faced with complaints about the presence of stuttering behaviors and these factors are present, they should immediately refer the patient to an SLP for specific assessment.
Eye-Tracking in Assessment of the Mental Workload of Harvester Operators
Authors: Naskrent Bartłomiej , Grzywiński Witold , Polowy Krzysztof , Tomczak Arkadiusz , Jelonek Tomasz
Published: April 2022

Harvesting large quantities of timber requires the use of various technical means, including harvesters. The introduction of machine logging has greatly improved safety and reduced accident rates but has also resulted in the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and increased psychological strain. The aim of this study was to determine the level of the mental workload of harvester operators in wind-damaged stands, during daytime and nighttime clearfelling, and during late thinning using the technique of eye-tracking (analysis of saccades and pupil dilation). The highest number of saccades for both felling and processing operations was recorded during daytime and nighttime clearcutting, while the lowest number was recorded in late thinning. For both operations, the highest mean saccade duration was found in late thinning (felling 38.7 ms, processing 36.0 ms) and the lowest in nighttime cutting (felling 33.1 ms, processing 35.5 ms). The highest frequency of saccades in both operations was recorded in clearcut areas during both daytime and nighttime operations. The largest mean pupil diameters during saccades were recorded in night clearfelling plots (felling 5.57 mm, processing 5.52 mm), while the smallest were recorded in plots with windbreaks (felling 2.91 mm, processing 2.89 mm). Comparison of the number, duration, frequency, and time proportion of saccades as well as pupil diameter provided a quantifiable assessment of mental workload in clearcut, wind-damaged, and thinning stands. The indicators analyzed showed that the cutting category can significantly affect the level of mental workload and thus fatigue of harvester operators.
Spatially Varying Associations of Neighborhood Disadvantage with Alcohol and Tobacco Retail Outlet Rates
Authors: Wheeler David C. , Boyle Joseph , Barsell D. Jeremy , Glasgow Trevin , McClernon F. Joseph , Oliver Jason A. , Fuemmeler Bernard F.
Published: April 2022

More than 30% of cancer related deaths are related to tobacco or alcohol use. Controlling and restricting access to these cancer-causing products, especially in communities where there is a high prevalence of other cancer risk factors, has the potential to improve population health and reduce the risk of specific cancers associated with these substances in more vulnerable population subgroups. One policy-driven method of reducing access to these cancer-causing substances is to regulate where these products are sold through the placement and density of businesses selling tobacco and alcohol. Previous work has found significant positive associations between tobacco, alcohol, and tobacco and alcohol retail outlets (TRO, ARO, TARO) and a neighborhood disadvantage index (NDI) using Bayesian shared component index modeling, where NDI associations differed across outlet types and relative risks varied by population density (e.g., rural, suburban, urban). In this paper, we used a novel Bayesian index model with spatially varying effects to explore spatial nonstationarity in NDI effects for TROs, AROs, and TAROs across census tracts in North Carolina. The results revealed substantial variation in NDI effects that varied by outlet type. However, all outlet types had strong positive effects in one coastal area. The most important variables in the NDI were percent renters, Black racial segregation, and the percentage of homes built before 1940. Overall, more disadvantaged areas experienced a greater neighborhood burden of outlets selling one or both of alcohol and tobacco.
Improving Well-Being in Young Adults: A Social Marketing Proof-of-Concept
Authors: van Hierden Yannick , Rundle-Thiele Sharyn , Dietrich Timo
Published: April 2022

Approximately 1 in 5 Australians experience a mental disorder every year, costing the Australian economy $56.7 billion per year; therefore, prevention and early intervention are urgently needed. This study reports the evaluation results of a social marketing pilot program that aimed to improve the well-being of young adults. The Elevate Self Growth program aimed to help participants perform various well-being behaviors, including screen time reduction, quality leisure activities, physical activity, physical relaxation, meditation and improved sleep habits. A multi-method evaluation was undertaken to assess Elevate Self Growth for the 19 program participants who paid to participate in the proof-of-concept program. Social Cognitive Theory was used in the program design and guided the evaluation. A descriptive assessment was performed to examine the proof-of-concept program. Considerations were given to participants’ levels of program progress, performance of well-being behaviors, improvements in well-being, and program user experience. Participants who had made progress in the proof-of-concept program indicated improved knowledge, skills, environmental support and well-being in line with intended program outcomes. Program participants recommended improvements to achieve additional progress in the program, which is strongly correlated with outcome changes observed. These improvements are recommended for the proof-of-concept well-being program prior to moving to a full randomized control trial. This paper presents the initial data arising from the first market offerings of a theoretically mapped proof-of-concept and reports insights that suggest promise for approaches that apply Social Cognitive Theory in well-being program design and implementation.
Development of a Project-Based Learning Program on High-Risk Newborn Care for Nursing Students and Its Effects: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Koo Hyun-Young , Gu Young-Eun , Lee Bo-Ryeong
Published: April 2022

Project-based learning (PjBL) allows nursing students to participate in real problem-solving, construct knowledge, and improve their nursing skills in the process of accomplishing meaningful projects. This study was conducted to develop a PjBL program on high-risk newborn care for nursing students and evaluate its effects. A quasi-experimental study using a nonequivalent control group pretest–posttest design was employed between June and December 2021. The participants were 45 nursing students (24 in the experimental group and 21 in the control group). A PjBL program involving the creation of an educational video clip about high-risk newborn care for nursing students was developed, and the experimental group took part in PjBL. The participants’ nursing competency for high-risk newborns, self-leadership, and practicum-related stress were assessed. In the experimental group, nursing competency for high-risk newborns increased and practicum-related stress decreased to a greater extent than in the control group. However, the change in self-leadership was not significantly different between the experimental and control groups. PjBL effectively improved students’ nursing competency for high-risk newborns and decreased their practicum-related stress. PjBL will be utilized to enhance nursing students’ expertise in high-risk newborn care.
Farmers’ Willingness to Gather Homesteads and the Influencing Factors—An Empirical Study of Different Geomorphic Areas in Chongqing
Authors: Yan Yan , Yang Qingyuan , Su Kangchuan , Bi Guohua , Li Yuanqing
Published: April 2022

Research purpose: to analyze farmers’ willingness to gather homestead and its influencing factors, so as to provide decision-making basis for the rational layout of rural homestead. Methods: questionnaire, logistic model. The results are as follows. (1) Farmers’ willingness to gather homesteads is highest in dam areas, followed by hilly areas, and is lowest in mountainous areas. (2) The respondents’ age, family support ratio, housing structure, whether the access road is paved, and the distance from the main road have significant negative impacts on farmers’ willingness to gather homesteads, while homesteads being idle, the service life of the house, the type of daily energy use, and whether they are far from relatives after relocation have significant positive impacts on farmers’ willingness to gather homesteads. (3) The main influencing factors of farmers’ homestead agglomeration in dam areas are the idle situation of a homestead, housing structure, the service life of the house, and whether they are satisfied with their current homestead residence. (4) The main influencing factors of farmers’ homestead agglomeration in hilly areas are the age of the respondents, the proportion of family workers, and whether they accept the relocation and are far from relatives. (5) The main influencing factors of farmers’ homestead agglomeration in mountainous areas are the age of the respondents, the ratio of family support, the housing structure, and whether the access road is paved. We conclude that there are significant differences in farmers’ willingness to gather homesteads and the influencing factors in different geomorphic areas. Policy makers should formulate differentiated homestead agglomeration optimization schemes and design the optimization paths of homestead agglomeration on the basis of geomorphic classification and subregion.