bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Acid Whey Pretreatment Using Ultrasonic Disintegration on the Removal of Organic Compounds and Anaerobic Digestion Efficiency
Authors: Kazimierowicz Joanna , Zieliński Marcin , Bartkowska Izabela , Dębowski Marcin
Published: September 2022

Acid whey is a by-product of the dairy industry that should be utilized or appropriately neutralized. Anaerobic processes represent a group of prospective methods for whey processing, and a key priority in their development is to improve their technological and economical effectiveness. The present study aimed to determine the effect of ultrasonic disintegration (UD) of acid whey on the course and effectiveness of methane fermentation. The study results demonstrated that extending the UD duration resulted in increased concentrations of dissolved forms of COD and TOC, efficiency of organic matter biodegradation, and CH4 production. The best effects were achieved at 900 s US, including CH4 production of 0.203 ± 0.01 dm3/gCODin. and CH4 content accounting for 70.9 ± 2.8%. Organic compounds were removed with the following efficiencies: COD—78.7 ± 2.1%, TOC—80.2 ± 1.3%, and BOD5—84.1 ± 1.6%. The highest net energy gain of 5.763 Wh was achieved upon UD of 300 s. Extension of UD time had no significant effect on the improvement in the energetic effectiveness of anaerobic digestion. A strong positive correlation was found between COD and TOC concentrations in the dissolved phase and CH4 production yield.
Distribution and Genesis of Organic Carbon Storage on the Northern Shelf of the South China Sea
Authors: Chen Liang , Yin Zhengxin , Tang Meng , Li Tuanjie , Xu Dong
Published: September 2022

The sediments distributed in the marginal seas of the continental shelf are important burial materials for global organic carbon (OC). There have been many estimates of the global continental shelf OC reserves, but due to the limited acquisition of measured data, the estimated results have great uncertainty. The vast continental shelf in the northern part of the South China Sea (SCS) provides a good place for the storage of OC. Based on a large amount of sediment OC data obtained from the northern coast of the SCS, the OC storage in the surface sediment (0~10 cm) in the study area (approximately 8.63 × 104 km2) was accurately calculated as 51 Tg. The study area covers different regions, such as estuaries, open seas, strait areas and upwelling development areas, and the OC content of each area is quite different. According to provenance analysis, the source of OC in sediments is mainly from the input of Pearl River runoff. The OC content is significantly higher and less affected by sediment particle size in the Pearl River Estuary and the surrounding areas; meanwhile, the OC content gradually decreases with the distance from the Pearl River Estuary. Far from the western Pearl River Estuary, the sediment OC content is mainly controlled by the particle size of the sediments and is significantly correlated with silt and clay content. The deposition rate is also an important factor affecting the burial of OC, for the high deposition rates correspond to the high levels of OC in the nearshore estuarine areas, as well as the low deposition rate region having low OC content in the sediments even though it has a high productivity of OC, such in as the upwelling sea area on the eastern side of Hainan.
Serious Games for Executive Functions Training for Adults with Intellectual Disability: Overview
Authors: Shapoval S. , Gimeno-Santos Mercé , Mendez Zorrilla Amaia , Garcia-Zapirain Begoña , Guerra-Balic Myriam , Signo-Miguel Sara , Bruna-Rabassa Olga
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Throughout the history of medical and psychology practice, specialists have worked to improve the quality of treatment and rehabilitation, which has led to the emergence of concepts such as serious games. These tools focus on different areas of intervention procedures, one of which is to help people with intellectual disability (ID). Individuals with ID have problems with executive functions (EFs), which are related to adaptive functioning. Recent studies showed that serious games positively impact cognitive, social, and communication skills in people with ID. The purpose of this study is to analyze the solutions that have been found in EF training for adults with ID in recent years, evaluating them with a number of key parameters and identifying the features and possible problems in the further development of our system. (2) Methods: A review was conducted starting with 573 articles in English related to serious games and selected from studies that had been published since 2015. Finally, 10 were examined in detail as they focused on EFs in adults with ID. They were searched in seven major databases (“Association for Computing Machinery” (ACM), IEEE Xplore database, DBLP computer science bibliography, Google Scholar, PubMed, SCOPUS, and PsycInfo). (3) Results: It was determined that the most frequent EFs referred to in the studies analyzed were planning and decision-making, followed by working memory and social cognition, behavioral regulation, flexibility, and inhibition capacity. The basic approach to the creation of support systems was also analyzed in terms of technical and program execution. The trend results’ analysis evidenced improvements in EFs, even though they were not significant. This comprehensive technique enabled the identification of the main features and aspects to be taken into account for further development of our system.
Level of Concern, Spending, and External Support Related to COVID-19: A Comparison between Working and Non-Working Older Adults
Authors: Yu Zuojin , Le Aurora B. , Doerr Alexa , Smith Todd D.
Published: September 2022

This study compared levels of concern, spending, and use of external support by working status among older adults in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. It assessed whether work influences these variables related to wellness. Data from 2489 older adults from the 2020 U.S. Health and Retirement Study were analyzed using multiple linear and logistic regression. Older adults who worked had lower concerns about the pandemic (β = −0.28, p = 0.048), were less likely to increase their spending (OR = 0.74, p = 0.041), and were less likely to use external support (OR = 0.50, p < 0.001). Use of external support increased with age (OR = 1.04, p < 0.001) and increased spending (OR = 1.32, p = 0.019). Married older adults were less likely to increase spending (OR = 0.75, p = 0.007) and had lower concerns toward COVID-19 (β = −0.28, p = 0.011). Higher levels of concern were reported among women (β = 0.31, p = 0.005) and participants who had friends or family members diagnosed with COVID-19 (β = 0.51, p < 0.001). Women were more likely to use support (OR = 1.80, p < 0.001). Work appears to bolster older adult wellness outcomes.
Indoor Mobility, Frailty, and Disability in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Mediation Model
Authors: Brustio Paolo Riccardo , Mulasso Anna , D’Emanuele Samuel , Zia Gianluca , Feletti Luca , Del Signore Susanna , Rainoldi Alberto
Published: September 2022

The general population, but especially older adults, were forced or encouraged to stay home during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, indoor mobility (IM, the number of steps performed daily at home) may be informative about the general health status of older adults. The present study aimed at evaluating the relationship between IM, frailty (loss of functional reserve including both physical and psychosocial domains), and disability (loss of autonomy measured as activities of daily life, ADLs) in a sample of community-dwelling Italian older adults. Specifically, the primary objective was to investigate IM and disability differences between robust and frail older adults. The secondary objective was to test if frailty is in the causal sequence between IM and disability, i.e., as a mediator in their relationship. Thirty-two participants (mean age = 70 ± 6 years; 56.2% women) were recruited. Frailty and disability were evaluated using the Tilburg Frailty Indicator and the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale, respectively. IM at home was measured via an Adamo wristwatch (a connected accelerometer). One-way analyses of covariance, controlling for age and gender, showed that robust participants, classified according to a score higher than five points in the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, performed significantly more IM (F1,28 = 4.639; p = 0.04) and presented lower disability grade than frail ones (F1,28 = 4.342; p =0.046). Only physical frailty was a mediator in the relationship between IM and disability (F2,29 = 8.538, p < 0.001), with a fully mediated model (z = −2.073, p < 0.04). Conversely, the total frailty score was not a mediator in the same relationship, but with IM accounted for the variance in disability (F2,29 = 8.538, p < 0.001; R2 = 33.7%). Our results suggested that frail older adults restricted their IM more and presented a higher level of disability compared to robust older adults. Moreover, data suggest that IM reduction may have a negative impact on physical frailty and indirectly increase disability.
Impact of Situational Environmental Education on Tourist Behavior—A Case Study of Water Culture Ecological Park in China
Authors: Wang Jinming , Dai Jialu , Dewancker Bart Julien , Gao Weijun , Liu Zaiqiang , Zhou Yue
Published: September 2022

With the increasing number of travelling people, the behavior of tourists is having an increasing impact on the environment. Situational environmental education will influence the tourists’ responsible environmental behavior, which positively or negatively affects the environment. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of situational environmental education on tourists’ responsible environmental behavior through a field study of Changchun Water Culture Ecological Park, combined with a survey and Zaltman metaphor elicitation technique (ZMET) interview method. There are 527 questionnaires, 89 pre-questionnaires, and 15 interview records collected. The results showed that: (1) All interviewees were impressed with the situational environmental education in the park. It can be concluded that the situational environmental education is easily accepted. The reason may be that, among the theme park users, 42.69% were aged 21–30 year’s old, and 62.8% of the population have a college degree or above. (2) The standardized path coefficient of situational environmental education in tourist destinations for tourists’ behavioral intention is 0.74, and the standardized path coefficient for responsible environmental behavior is 0.78, which is much higher than the standard value of 0.4. Therefore, situational environmental education has positive influences on the tourists’ behavioral intention and responsible environmental behavior. (3) The sensitive analysis the tourists’ behavioral intention has a positive relationship with attitudes toward environmental behaviors (0.66), subjective norm (0.53), and perceptual behavior control (0.52). The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for the planning and design of urban parks.
Procalcitonin as a Candidate Biomarker for Malarial Infection and Severe Malaria: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mahittikorn Aongart , Kotepui Kwuntida Uthaisar , Mala Wanida , Wilairatana Polrat , Kotepui Manas
Published: September 2022

Procalcitonin (PCT), as a marker of malaria severity, remains to be investigated. The present study collated and compared the levels of PCT between patients with severe malaria, uncomplicated malaria, and control participants to assess their role in predicting malaria infection and disease severity. The systematic review was registered at PROSPERO with registration number CRD42021297243. The search for relevant studies that reported PCT in patients with malaria was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The following meta-analyses were conducted; (1) the pooled mean PCT levels in patients with severe and uncomplicated malaria, and (2) the pooled mean difference in PCT levels between patients with severe and uncomplicated malaria. Fifteen studies were included for qualitative and quantitative syntheses. The meta-analysis results show that the pooled mean PCT levels in patients with uncomplicated malaria were 3.92 ng/mL (95% CI: 2.26–5.58 ng/mL, I2: 96.5, five studies), whereas the pooled mean PCT levels in patients with severe malaria were 14.13 ng/mL (95% CI: 8.75–19.5 ng/mL, I2: 92.6, six studies). The meta-analysis showed that patients with severe malaria had an equal mean of PCT compared to those with uncomplicated malaria when the random-effects model was used (p: 0.055, weighted mean difference: 6.93, 95% CI: −0.16–14.02, I2: 84.6%, four studies). There were probable correlations between the level of parasitemia, immunity level, and possibly bacterial or other parasitic co-infection that could affect the PCT level among different clinical severities of malaria. Therefore, the PCT level alone does not seem to be a suitable biomarker to discriminate the severe/uncomplicated or infected/uninfected cases. Further studies should investigate the increased PCT levels in combination with other markers in association with malaria infection and severity.
Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mobile Produce Market Operations: Adaptations, Barriers, and Future Directions for Increasing Food Access
Authors: Lally Anne , Morina Alban , Vermont Leah , Tirabassi Jill , Leone Lucia
Published: September 2022

Background: Mobile produce markets were increasingly recognized as an effective and accepted approach to improving access to fruits and vegetables in lower-income and at-risk communities during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. This study provides insights into how mobile market operations were impacted by, and evolved in response to, challenges posed by the pandemic. Methods: A survey evaluating impacts of the pandemic on mobile markets was distributed to a database of mobile market operators in the United States. Respondents were asked to describe impacts to their mobile market’s operations, and what adaptations were needed to continue to effectively serve their communities during 2020. Results: Surveys representing 48 unique mobile markets were collected from March to July 2021. Of the respondents, 63% reported an increase in demand for mobile market services from community members. Furthermore, 65% increased the amount of produce they distributed in 2020 as compared to 2019, often through adopting low or no-cost models or participating in pandemic government programs. Discussion: Emergency adaptations employed by mobile markets can inform long-term operational modifications for not only mobile markets, but also other food access programs, beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Descriptive Study on Multiple Health-Risk Behaviors among Chinese Adults in Hong Kong
Authors: Li Ho Cheung William , Ho Laurie Long Kwan , Chung Oi Kwan Joyce , Cheung Ankie Tan , Xia Wei , Song Peige
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the prevalence and clustering patterns of multiple health-risk behaviors and their associations with non-communicable diseases among Chinese adults in Hong Kong. A large sample survey was conducted in all 18 districts of Hong Kong between 21 June and 31 August 2021. A total of 5737 adults completed the survey. Overall, 4605 (80.3%) had at least one health-risk behavior and 2696 (47.0%) had two or more health-risk behaviors. Multiple health-risk behaviors were more prevalent among men. The prevalence of smoking and alcohol consumption among Hong Kong Chinese women was considerably lower than in most Western countries. In contrast to previous findings, this study revealed that a high proportion of adults with high educational attainment or household income had multiple health-risk behaviors. In addition, this study revealed that the health-risk behaviors in Chinese adults co-occurred in clusters, with smoking and alcohol consumption co-occurring with other health-risk behaviors. Those who smoked or consumed alcohol had the highest proportion of multiple health-risk behaviors and the highest proportion of non-communicable diseases. The findings of this study add further evidence that health-risk behaviors co-occur in clusters and can contribute to non-communicable diseases.
Translation and Validation of the Malay Version of the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA)
Authors: Mohd Ali Manisah , Mohd Hoesni Suzana , Rosharudin Nur Afrina , Yusoff Siti Rashidah , Razman Mohamad Omar Ihsan , Khairuddin Khairul Farhah , Mohd Daud Tuti Iryani , Muhammad Noor Azimah , Puad Mohd Kari Dharatun Nissa
Published: September 2022

The Emotion Regulation Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (ERQ-CA) has been translated and adapted globally. This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Malay version of the ERQ-CA. The ERQ-CA underwent forward and back translation twice and was tested in two separate studies, Study 1 and Study 2, with 296 and 359 students aged between 13 and 14 years old, respectively. Cronbach’s alpha values were calculated, and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted. The results from Study 1 demonstrate good internal consistency for cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. The results indicate a good factor loading for most of the items, but only one value of the goodness-of-fit met the criteria for a good fit. The results from Study 2 show improvements in the values of the goodness-of-fit that are comparable to previous studies, but there was a decrease in the factor loading scores. Overall, the Malay version of the ERQ-CA possesses acceptable reliability and validity. Further studies are required in the near future to develop a Malay version of the ERQ-CA that reasonably represents Malaysian adolescents.
Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Attitudes toward the China Eastern Airlines Plane Crash in Transportation Students
Authors: Xia Lei , Yang Cheng , Wang Jiawei , Liu Lewei , Tian Yinghan , Tang Yi-lang , Jiang Feng , Liu Huanzhong
Published: September 2022

On 21 March 2022, a China Eastern Airlines plane with 132 people on board crashed and all people are presumed dead. This study aimed to explore mental health symptoms and attitudes toward the plane crash among flight and train attendant students and the general public. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted two weeks after the plane crash. Mental health symptoms, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms were assessed. A total of 494 participants were included, of which 183 were flight (n = 140) and train (n = 43) attendant students (aged 17.3 ± 1.7 years, 80.9% were female), and 311 were sampled from the general population (aged 26.7 ± 7.8 years, 62.1% were female). The prevalence of depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms, and PTSS was 51.9%, 40.4%, 25.1%, and 12.6% in the transportation students, and 45.3%, 36.0%, 17.4%, and 4.2% in the general public sample, respectively. The students reported more frequent insomnia symptoms and PTSS than the general public sample. In the student group, compared with those without PTSS, those with PTSS reported significantly higher rates of depressive, anxiety, and insomnia symptoms. Two weeks after a plane crash, mental health symptoms are common in the general public and transportation students, with the latter being more likely to have PTSS symptoms. Our findings suggest the importance to identify risk groups when developing interventions after indirect exposure to traumatic events.
Combined Dietary Education and High-Intensity Interval Resistance Training Improve Health Outcomes in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Deka Pallav , Blesa Jesús , Pathak Dola , Sempere-Rubio Nuria , Iglesias Paula , Micó Lydia , Soriano José Miguel , Klompstra Leonie , Marques-Sule Elena
Published: September 2022

Background: Reducing cardiovascular risk through lifestyle changes that include a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise is recommended in the rehabilitation of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). We pilot-tested the effectiveness of a dietary-education and high-intensity interval resistance training (DE–HIIRT) program on healthy food choices and associated anthropometric variables in patients with established CAD. Methods: A total of 22 participants, aged 60.0 ± 7.2 years, were enrolled in the study. Over 3 months, under the guidance and supervision of a physiotherapist, participants performed the resistance exercises 2×/week in a group setting (cohort of 11). Participants additionally attended three sessions of dietary education led by a dietician. Participants demonstrated their knowledge and understanding of dietary education by picking heart-healthy foods by reading food labels. Outcomes included change in diet (measured using the tricipital skinfold thickness Mediterranean Diet Adherence questionnaire (MEDAS-14) and the Food Consumption Frequency Questionnaire (FCFQ)) and anthropometric measurements (body composition, body circumference, and tricipital skinfold thickness). A paired t-test was performed to analyze the differences between the baseline and post-intervention results. Results: Participants significantly increased their consumption of vegetables (p = 0.04) and lowered their consumption of sweet snacks (p = 0.007), pastries (p = 0.02), and processed food (p = 0.05). Significant improvements in body mass index (p = 0.001), waist circumference (p = 0.0001), hip circumference (p = 0.04), and body fat (p = 0.0001) were also achieved. Conclusion: Making lifestyle changes that include both diet and exercise is essential in the management of CAD. The HIIRT program combined with dietary changes shows promise in achieving weight-loss goals in this population and needs to be further investigated with appropriate study designs.
The Moderating Role of COVID-19 Perceived Risk between Health Concern and Psychological Well-Being of Active Senior Campers Using PROCESS Macro Model
Authors: Choi Eui-Yul , Jang Mi-Hwa
Published: September 2022

This study attempts to contribute to improving the life of the elderly by empirically analyzing the factors affecting the psychological well-being of active seniors in the ‘With COVID-19’ era. To this end, the relationship between psychological well-being, health concern, and perceived risk of COVID-19 was verified for active seniors in Korea who enjoy camping. Two hundred and sixty-four valid questionnaires collected from active senior participants of “The Korea Camping Fair 2022” held in EXCO, Daegu, Korea, from 29 April to 1 May 2022, were analyzed. The main results were as follows. The health and psychological well-being of active seniors were higher than the normal level, and the perceived risk of COVID-19 was lower than the normal level. It was found that the health of active seniors had a positive effect on their psychological well-being. The perceived risk of COVID-19 was found to moderate the effect of health concern on psychological well-being. In conclusion, in order to improve the psychological well-being of active seniors, active leisure activities of the elderly are essential even in the COVID-19 situation, and various measures are needed to increase health. Not only this, but also, importantly, accurate information sharing on COVID-19 should be premised.
Exploring the Multidimensional Participation of Adults Living in the Community in the Chronic Phase following Acquired Brain Injury
Authors: Beit Yosef Aviva , Refaeli Nirit , Jacobs Jeremy M. , Shames Jeffrey , Gilboa Yafit
Published: September 2022

This exploratory study aimed to examine multiple aspects of the participation of adults in the chronic phase following acquired brain injury (ABI), considering different disability levels. Our study included 25 adults ≥6 months after ABI (predominantly stroke), living at home, without severe cognitive decline. Primary measures included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (subjective participation) and the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory-4 Participation Index (objective participation). The results indicated subjective participation problems in all of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health participation domains. In addition, objective participation was reported as most limited in the areas of leisure and recreational activities, residence, and employment. Both subjective and objective participation profiles varied according to the disability level except for the social and leisure areas, which were found to be similar across all subgroups. However, only partial compatibility was found between the subjective and objective participation aspects. To conclude, our findings indicated that chronic ABI survivors report a variety of subjective and objective participation concerns that varied according to their disability levels. Moreover, the incongruity between the participation aspects suggests that the level of limitation may not necessarily correspond to the importance of a particular participation area. This highlights the need for comprehensive assessments to determine unique individual participation profiles in order to facilitate client-centered interventions supporting the rehabilitation of community-dwelling ABI survivors.
Objectively-Measured Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors and Related Factors in Chinese Immigrants in the US with Prior Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Huang Shuyuan , Ash Garrett I. , Nam Soohyun , Jeon Sangchoon , McMahon Erin , Whittemore Robin
Published: September 2022

Chinese immigrants in the US are disproportionately affected by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The aims of this study were to describe their physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors (SB) patterns and to identify determinates of objectively-measured PA and SB among Chinese immigrants in the US with prior GDM. We conducted a cross-sectional study among 106 Chinese immigrants with prior GDM across the US. PA and SB were measured by GT9X+ hip accelerometers for 7 consecutive days. Validated questionnaires in English and Chinese were used to assess knowledge and risk perceptions as well as cultural and psychosocial characteristics. Descriptive, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses were performed. Only 27% of participants met the PA guidelines. The median duration of moderate–vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) per week was 79 (IQR 38–151) minutes. Participants had an average of 9.2 ± 1.4 h of sedentary time per day. Living with parents (who may provide family support) was associated with more MVPA minutes per week, more steps per day, and a greater likelihood of meeting PA guidelines. Higher levels of acculturative stress were associated with fewer MVPA minutes per week. Being employed and having a lower BMI were associated with more SB. Strategies are needed to increase MVPA among this high-risk group, including decreasing acculturative stress and increasing family support. Different strategies are needed to decrease SB among this population.
Humor Styles, Bullying Victimization and Psychological School Adjustment: Mediation, Moderation and Person-Oriented Analyses
Authors: Burger Christoph
Published: September 2022

Humor can be both adaptive and maladaptive and plays a role in bullying victimization and school adjustment. It was hypothesized that humor styles decrease or increase victimization, which in turn affects school adjustment. Furthermore, humor might moderate effects of victimization on school adjustment. Moreover, a person-oriented approach could improve our understanding of group differences in these variables. An online questionnaire retrospectively surveyed emerging adults (N = 172; 77.2% female; mean age: 22.7 years) with respect to humor style use, bullying victimization and school adjustment. Mediation and moderation analyses were computed, and two sets of person-oriented analyses compared victims, bully-victims and noninvolved students on humor styles and school adjustment, and three latent humor-related groups (overall-high, adaptive-high and adaptive-low) on victimization and school adjustment. Victimization fully mediated the positive effect of affiliative humor and partially mediated the negative effect of self-defeating humor on school adjustment. The negative effect of victimization on school adjustment was magnified by self-defeating humor and attenuated by aggressive humor. Bully-victims used both aggressive and self-defeating humor more frequently, and victims used aggressive and affiliative humor less frequently. Furthermore, both victims and bully-victims showed lower school adjustment. Finally, the adaptive-high humor group showed lower victimization and higher school adjustment. Implications for school interventions are discussed.
How Neighborhood Characteristics Influence Neighborhood Crimes: A Bayesian Hierarchical Spatial Analysis
Authors: Yu Danlin , Fang Chuanglin
Published: September 2022

Urban crimes are a severe threat to livable and sustainable urban environments. Many studies have investigated the patterns, causes, and strategies for curbing the occurrence of urban crimes. It is found that neighborhood socioeconomic status, physical environment, and ethnic composition all might play a role in the occurrence of urban crimes. Inspired by the recent interest in exploring urban crime patterns with spatial data analysis techniques and the development of Bayesian hierarchical analytical approaches, we attempt to explore the inherently intricate relationships between urban assaultive violent crimes and the neighborhood socioeconomic status, physical environment, and ethnic composition in Paterson, NJ, using census data of the American Community Survey, alcohol and tobacco sales outlet data, and abandoned property listing data from 2013. Analyses are set at the census block group level. Urban crime data are obtained from the Paterson Police Department. Instead of examining relationships at a global level with both non-spatial and spatial analyses, we examine in depth the potential locally varying relationships at the local level through a Bayesian hierarchical spatially varying coefficient model. At both the global and local analysis levels, it is found that median household income is decisively negatively related to urban crime occurrence. Percentage of African Americans and Hispanics, number of tobacco sales outlets, and number of abandoned properties are all positively related with urban crimes. At the local level of analysis, however, the different factors have varying influence on crime occurrence throughout the city of Paterson, with median household income having the broadest influence across the city. The practice of applying a Bayesian hierarchical spatial analysis framework to understand urban crime occurrence and urban neighborhood characteristics enables urban planners, stakeholders, and public safety officials to engage in more active and targeted crime-reduction strategies.
The Level of COVID-19 Anxiety among Oncology Patients in Poland
Authors: Grajek Mateusz , Krupa-Kotara Karolina , Rozmiarek Mateusz , Sobczyk Karolina , Działach Eliza , Górski Michał , Kobza Joanna
Published: September 2022

Cancer patients tend to have a high psychological burden. Half of cancer patients suffer from severe affective disorders and anxiety disorders, while one-third struggle with mild forms of these. The COVID-19 pandemic is damaging the mental health of the population due to social restrictions. A growing number of studies note the role of COVID-19 anxiety in the health and quality of life of cancer patients. The purpose of this study is to estimate the level of COVID-19 anxiety among oncology patients and to test the utility of the FCV-19S scale in a population study of cancer patients. The study included 600 respondents (300 oncology patients and 300 control subjects not undergoing oncological treatment). The FCV-19S scale and the GAD-7 scale were used in the study. The results were interpreted according to the following verbal scale: 76–100%, high anxiety; 56–75%, moderate anxiety; 26–55%, low COVID-19 anxiety; <25%, no COVID-19 anxiety. In the analysis of the GAD-7 questionnaire results, the mean score obtained was 8.21 (min. 0; max. 21; SD 5.32). For 81% of respondents in the group of oncology patients, the total score indicated the presence of anxiety symptoms with varying degrees of severity; in the control group, this proportion was 55% of respondents. The FCV-19S scale score as a percentage was 57.4% for oncology patients, indicating a moderate level of fear of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and 30.3% for the control group, indicating a low level of fear of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. One-fifth of oncology patients were afraid of losing their lives due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus; in the control group, this proportion was 13% of respondents. Oncology patients were characterized by a higher prevalence of sleep disturbance than control group respondents, which was associated with greater anxiety. The study, therefore, shows that oncology patients have moderate levels of anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, and non-oncology patients show lower levels of anxiety.
Coronavirus Vaccination: Spike Antibody Levels in Health Workers after Six Months—A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Damerau Lukas , Mühlenbruch Georg , Evenschor-Ascheid Agnes , Fussen Christine , Nienhaus Albert , Terschüren Claudia , Herold Robert , Harth Volker
Published: September 2022

Healthcare workers bear a high risk of infection during epidemics and pandemics such as the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Various new vaccines have been approved. We investigated the influence of the time elapsed since vaccination, as well as of vaccination schema, on health workers’ spike antibody levels following their second vaccination. Blood samples were obtained from employees working at a German hospital between August 2021 and December 2021 on average half a year (range 130–280 days) after their second vaccination. Levels of SARS-CoV-2-IgG antibodies (spike and nucleocapsid protein) were qualitatively detected via chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIAs). A previous infection with SARS-CoV-2 was an exclusion criterion. In total, 545 persons were included in this cross-sectional study. Most participants (97.8%) showed elevated anti-spike concentrations. Anti-spike levels differed significantly among vaccination schemas. Repeated vector vaccinations resulted in lower protective antibody levels. Higher age levels, immunosuppression and a longer time period since the second vaccination resulted in lower anti-spike levels. Women’s antibody levels were higher, but not significantly. Since anti-spike levels drop after vaccination, further boosters are required to increase immunoreactivity. If two vector vaccines have been administered, it is possible that an mRNA booster might increase the anti-spike level.
Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Patients with Dementia
Authors: Yoon Kyungwon , Kim Jung-Tae , Kwack Won-Gun , Kim Donghyun , Lee Kyung-Tae , Yang Seungwon , Lee Sangmin , Choi Yeo-Jin , Chung Eun-Kyoung
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to characterize the epidemiology of using potentially inappropriate medications associated with dementia exacerbation (DPIMs) in elderly outpatients with dementia. Electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed for geriatric patients with dementia who were prescribed at least one medication in 2016 at a tertiary, university-affiliated hospital. The 2015 Beers criteria were used to define DPIMs. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with prescribing DPIMs in patients with dementia. Among 2100 patients included in our study, 987 (47.0%) patients were prescribed at least one DPIM. Benzodiazepines were the most frequently prescribed DPIM followed by anticholinergics, histamine H2-receptor blockers, and zolpidem. The risk of prescribing DPIMs was significantly increased in female patients (odds ratio (OR) 1.355) with polypharmacy (OR 5.146) and multiple comorbidities (OR 1.129) (p < 0.05 for all). Coexistence of Parkinson’s disease (OR 1.799), mood disorder (OR 1.373), or schizophrenia (OR 4.116) in patients with dementia further increased the likelihood of receiving DPIMs. In conclusion, DPIMs were commonly used in elderly patients with dementia in Korea with benzodiazepines most frequently prescribed followed by anticholinergics. Female patients using polypharmacy with multiple comorbidities should be closely monitored to minimize unnecessary DPIM use and, ultimately, DPIM-related harms.
Estimation of the Frequency and Time of Human Exposure to Arsenic by Single Hair Analysis
Authors: Li Bing , Xu Weicong , Luo Ruxin , Zhuo Shaojie , Guo Xueyan , Cheng Kuan , Yun Keming , Ma Dong
Published: September 2022

Arsenic (As) and its compounds are widely used in many applications. Long-term exposure to As can cause acute and chronic poisoning. In severe cases, it can lead to adverse effects, such as gene mutation, cell cancer and fetal malformation. The objective of this study was to accurately estimate As exposure frequency and time. Quantitative analysis of As in single hairs obtained from APL (acute promyelocytic leukemia) patients treated with As2O3 was performed by LA-ICP-MS. An informative As concentration distribution profile of single hair was applied to estimate the As exposure frequency and time. As exposure frequency was estimated according to the number of As concentration peaks. As exposure time was estimated according to the hair growth length in combination with the hair growth rate. The validation results demonstrate that this method was more efficient than the traditional method; compared with the traditional method, which provides estimates in months, our model shortened the As exposure time estimate to the range of a few days, which considerably improved the inference accuracy. Therefore, these results can be used for forensic toxicology studies, environmental exposure monitoring, etc.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physical Activity among Children and Adolescents: 3-Year Longitudinal Study in Brazil
Authors: Silva Diego Augusto Santos , de Andrade Gonçalves Eliane Cristina , Coelho Emerson Filipino , Cerqueira Matheus Santos , Werneck Francisco Zacaron
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of physical activity (PA) levels over 36 months on the cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of children and adolescents. This was a longitudinal study carried out from 2016 to 2019 with 127 children and adolescents (82 males and 45 females) aged 13.5 ± 1.2 years at baseline. The 20 m shuttle run test (20 mSRT) was used to predict CRF. The questionnaires PAQ-C and PAQ-A were used to investigate PA. The 2 × 4 repeated measures ANCOVA was used, and the significance level was p ≤ 0.05. There was a linear trend in the interaction between level of PA and CRF throughout the 36-month study period in both sexes (males—distance covered: F1.78 = 4.567; p = 0.04; VO2max: F1.78 = 5.323; p = 0.02; females—distance covered: F1.41 = 6.989; p = 0.01; VO2max: F1.41 = 6.585; p = 0.01). Physically active males showed a gradual increase in CRF throughout the analyzed period. For females, CRF remained constant in the first 24 months, showing a slight increase only after 36 months in physically active ones. The findings of this study reinforce the importance of PA throughout childhood and adolescence to improve CRF.
The Relationship between Employee Risk Communication and Non-Adaptive Evacuation Behavior in Chinese Hazardous Chemical Companies: The Mediating Role of Emotional Exhaustion and Risk Perception
Authors: Yang Zilin , Wang Xinping , Su Chang , Li Boying
Published: September 2022

Non-adaptive evacuation behavior refers to a safety risk that cannot be disregarded throughout the evacuation process. In order to lower the risky behavior of evacuation, enhancing people’s psychological states and behaviors plays a significant role. This study developed a conceptual model connecting risk communication and non-adaptive evacuation behavior by analyzing the interaction between risk communication, risk perception, emotional exhaustion, and non-adaptive evacuation behavior. The structural equation model was adopted to analyze the 557 questionnaires collected, by which the findings demonstrated that risk communication has a negative impact on non-adaptive evacuation behavior, which is also indirectly affected by risk perception and emotional exhaustion. With the aim to prevent non-adaptive evacuation behavior during the evacuation process, enterprises and organizations can adjust the behavior level, psychological state, and physiological condition of individuals from the perspectives of risk communication, risk perception, and emotional exhaustion.
Psychological Distress in Breast Cancer Patients during the Italian COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Stanizzo Maria Rosa , Castelli Lorys , Di Nardo Cristina , Brunetti Monica , De Sanctis Corrado , Ghiggia Ada
Published: September 2022

Background. The emergency caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic exacerbated psychological distress. Our aim was to investigate the impact of breast cancer on patients’ lives during the Italian lockdown. Methods. Sixty-five female breast cancer patients were studied, assessing the level of psychological distress with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the impact of the cancer diagnosis (Impact of Event Scale-Revised—IES—R). In addition, we compared these data with a matched group of breast cancer patients enrolled in 2019. Results. Patients enrolled in 2020 had statistically higher levels of anxious symptomatology and higher levels of traumatic symptomatology due to the cancer diagnosis. A mediation analysis was performed to determine how the experience of distress due to COVID-19 negatively impacted the level of anxiety and amplified the impact of the diagnosis with a significant increase in traumatic symptoms. Conclusions. Considering the vulnerability of these patients and the serious and novel situation that the healthcare system is currently facing, we would like to point out the importance of structured and organised psychological support for these patients.
Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome after SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Smarz-Widelska Iwona , Syroka-Główka Małgorzata , Janowska-Jaremek Joanna , Kozioł Małgorzata M. , Załuska Wojciech
Published: September 2022

Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a life-threatening disease causing systemic thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) due to the fact of complement dysregulation. Immune activation by viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, can lead to the development of an episode of aHUS against a background of genetic dysregulation in the complement pathway. This paper presents an analysis of two cases of aHUS—siblings diagnosed with familial disease, with a genetic predisposition to aHUS, in whom infection with SARS-CoV-2 was a strong trigger of disease recurrence. The quick recognition and treatment with eculizumab in the early stage of the disease resulted in a rapid improvement in clinical conditions and laboratory parameters.
Characteristics of Japanese Older Adults Whose Trunk Muscle Mass Decreased during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hirose Tamaki , Sawaya Yohei , Ishizaka Masahiro , Hashimoto Naori , Ito Akihiro , Endo Yoshiaki , Kobayashi Kaoru , Yakabi Akihiro , Onoda Ko , Hara Tsuyoshi , Watanabe Miyoko , Itokazu Masafumi , Kubo Akira , Urano Tomohiko
Published: September 2022

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected the physical and mental functions in older adults, resulting in “corona-frailty”. This 2-year prospective study characterized changes in quantitative measures and corona-frailty among a cohort of community-dwelling older women. Changes were evaluated using face-to-face interactions with 39 Japanese women (mean age: 76.1 ± 5.9) in 2019 (pre-pandemic baseline) and 2021 (follow-up during the pandemic). Quantitative measurements of handgrip strength, walking speed, calf circumference, body composition, and background factors were evaluated. Body weight and trunk muscle mass significantly decreased at follow-up. Multiple regression analysis, using change in trunk muscle mass as the dependent variable and background factors as independent variables, identified that decrease in trunk muscle mass was associated with “being robust at baseline” and answering “Yes” to the question of “Do you go out less frequently compared with last year”? The 2-year trunk muscle mass change for each baseline frailty stage showed a significant decrease only in the robust group (−8.0%). The decrease in trunk muscle mass might be related to pandemic-induced lifestyle restraint, suggesting that robust older adults who are healthy and active should take measures that focus on trunk muscles to avoid “corona-frailty”.
Experiences Shared by the (Future) Public Health Workforce during the COVD-19 Pandemic in Germany: Results of a Survey on Workload, Work Content, and Related Challenges among Students and Young Professionals
Authors: Fischer Florian , Wicherski Julia , Tobollik Myriam , McCall Timothy
Published: September 2022

Although previous studies have focused on the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on various professional groups (particularly in the health and nursing care sector), this study aims to close a research gap by assessing perspectives of students and young professionals in epidemiology and public health in Germany in terms of shifts in workload, work content, and related challenges caused by the pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional survey between mid-February and mid-March 2022. Quantitative data were analyzed via standardized mean differences. Qualitative data based on answers to open-ended questions were analyzed via a qualitative content analysis. Overall, 172 individuals participated in this survey. Results indicate that students felt burdened the most by lack of exchange with other students and lecturers. Study participants employed in public health experienced changes in their employment because they had changes in their work content- and administration, which was accompanied by a high burden due to the workload. Multiple demands that can have an impact on both acquired skills and mental health during the professional qualification phase were mentioned by the participants. Therefore, more in-depth analyses are needed to investigate the impact the pandemic will have on the (future) public health workforce in the long run.
Eating Disorders in Children and Adolescent Males: A Peculiar Psychopathological Profile
Authors: Riva Anna , Pigni Maria , Albanese Nunzia Delia , Falbo Mariella , Di Guardo Simona , Brasola Eleonora , Biso Francesco , Nacinovich Renata
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Eating Disorders (EDs) are severe psychiatric disorders with high rates of mortality, multiple medical and psychiatric comorbidities associated, and often chronic illness. Historically, EDs are among the most gendered of psychiatric illnesses, and male presentations have been perceived as rare and unusual. This perception resulted in the systematic underrepresentation of males in research on Eds, and as consequence, in a scarcity of research investigating clinical and psychological features in this population. (2) Methods: The present study aims to evaluate clinical and psychopathological features in a sample of 287 children and adolescents, 27 males and 260 females with EDs, in order to identify similarities and differences. (3) Results: Males were younger than females, with similar medical and clinical conditions, but a different distribution of typology of EDs in middle childhood and middle adolescents. The Eating Disorders Inventory-3, TAS-20 for alexithymia and CDI for depressive symptoms’ profiles are similar, while males showed higher scores at the global indexes of Symptom Checklist 90-Revised test in early adolescence. (4) Conclusions: Results suggest gender-specific similarities and differences in clinical and psychological features in children and adolescent males, which may require specific diagnosis and treatment.