bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Assessment of Nitrite and Nitrate Intake from Processed Meat Products: Results from the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS)
Authors: Kotopoulou Sotiria , Zampelas Antonis , Magriplis Emmanuella
Published: October 2022

Long-term exposure to a high nitrite and nitrate intake through processed meat is of concern, as it has been related to adverse health effects. Individual consumption data from 2152 participants (46.7% males) in the Hellenic National Nutrition and Health Survey (HNNHS) were linked with current Maximum Permitted Levels (MPLs) to calculate exposure to nitrite and nitrate from processed meat products (assessed as nitrite equivalent), evaluate potential risk and identify the major contributors. Processed meat intakes were determined by combining data from 24 h recalls and frequency of consumption reported in Food Propensity Questionnaires (FPQs). Median exposure was estimated to be within safe levels for all population groups. However, 6.6% (n = 143) of the consumers exceeded the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of nitrite (0.07 mg/kg bw/day), of which 20.3% were children aged 0–9 years (N = 29) (15.3% of all children participants in the study, N = 190). In total, pork meat was the major contributor (41.5%), followed by turkey meat (32.7%) and sausages (23.8%), although contribution variations were found among age groups. The outcomes are of public health concern, especially exposure among children, and future research is warranted to evaluate possible associations with health effects, by using more refined occurrence data if available.
Teacher Training in Chile: Where Are Universities Looking? A Narrative Review
Authors: Castillo-Paredes Antonio , Núñez-Valdés Karen , Villegas Dianta Cristian , Villena Olivares Neliot , López Núñez Marisol , Fuentes-Rubio Mario , Núñez-Valdés Gerson
Published: October 2022

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) has been a recurring theme in recent years in Chilean educational policy and the field of educational research, mainly due to its impact on the Chilean educational system. Under its relevance, this article analyzes ITT and some aspects of its improvement through the revision methodology described by Kart and Kart (2021). Among the main findings, it is possible to mention that the research provides evidence on the decisions that should be made around the teaching profession and the improvement of initial training not only at the institutional level but also at the educational policy level. At the same time, it highlights the need for comprehensive support for future pedagogues and the importance of using the data obtained through the ‘National Diagnostic Evaluation’ for decision making.
Survival and Virulence Potential of Drug-Resistant E. coli in Simulated Gut Conditions and Antibiotic Challenge
Authors: Aditya Vankadari , Kotian Akshatha , Sanil Anisha , Thaseena Poidal Mohammed-ali , Karunasagar Indrani , Deekshit Vijaya Kumar
Published: October 2022

The gut forms a vital niche for the survival and replication of drug-resistant E. coli; however, the role of gut conditions on drug-resistant and sensitive E. coli is not clearly understood. The study aims to understand the effect of in vitro gut conditions on the spread of antibiotic resistance among E. coli and their ability to adapt to gut conditions. In this study, a multidrug-resistant (J51) and a sensitive (J254) E. coli isolate were exposed to a series of in vitro gut conditions and their growth pattern, virulence gene expression and invasion ability were studied. Further, the effect of antibiotic under in vitro gut conditions was also studied. Bile significantly affected the growth of the isolates, and the addition of iron chelator extended the lag phase of the sensitive isolate. Each in vitro gut condition had a differential effect on the expression of virulence genes in both the isolates. Further, the resistant isolate could adhere to and invade Caco2 cell lines better than the sensitive isolate. Most of the downregulated genes showed increased expression upon ciprofloxacin shock under in vitro gut conditions. The transcriptomics study revealed that exposure to bile, led to the downregulation of genes involved in different metabolic pathways. Further downregulation of metabolic pathways on ciprofloxacin shock was also observed. The downregulation of metabolic pathways could be a part of the global response played by the bacteria to adapt to harsh conditions. Reverting these fluctuated pathways could prove to be a novel strategy in combating AMR threat. Overall, bile, in high and low temperature conditions, showed a significant effect on modulating virulence gene expression on the antibiotic challenge. Thus, it is essential to consider the impact of gut conditions on gut pathogens, such as E. coli, before prescribing antimicrobial therapy during infection.
Correlation of Air Pollution and Prevalence of Acute Pulmonary Embolism in Northern Thailand
Authors: Bumroongkit Chaiwat , Liwsrisakun Chalerm , Deesomchok Athavudh , Pothirat Chaicharn , Theerakittikul Theerakorn , Limsukon Atikun , Trongtrakul Konlawij , Tajarernmuang Pattraporn , Niyatiwatchanchai Nutchanok , Euathrongchit Juntima , Inchai Juthamas , Chaiwong Warawut
Published: October 2022

Background: The relationship between the level of air pollution and acute pulmonary embolism (APE) has had inconsistent results. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the high level of air pollution exposure and APE. Methods: A ten-year retrospective cohort, single-center study was performed on patients diagnosed with APE from October 2010 to December 2020. The association between air pollution and monthly APE case diagnosis was analyzed. Results: A total number of 696 patients was included. The effect of every 10 µg/m3 increment of particulate matters with an aerodynamic diameter < 10 µm (PM10) on total monthly APE cases (unprovoked PE and provoked PE) was increased significantly at lag 4, 5 and 6 months with adjusted RR (95% CI) of 1.06 (1.01, 1.12), p = 0.011, 1.07 (1.01, 1.13), p = 0.021 and 1.06 (1.01, 1.12), p = 0.030, respectively. Adjusted RR for APE was significantly increased for PM10 in the second tertile ((adjusted RR (95% CI) 1.76 (1.12, 2.77)), p = 0.014. Conclusions: We conclude that PM10 is associated with an increased prevalence of APE cases. The policy for tighter control of air pollution in our country is needed to reduce the impact of air pollutants on people’s health.
Perceived Neighborhood Safety and Active Transportation in Adults from Eight Latin American Countries
Authors: Castillo-Paredes Antonio , Iglésias Beatriz , Farías-Valenzuela Claudio , Kovalskys Irina , Gómez Georgina , Rigotti Attilio , Cortés Lilia Yadira , García Martha Cecilia Yépez , Pareja Rossina G. , Herrera-Cuenca Marianella , Fisberg Mauro , Drenowatz Clemens , Ferrero-Hernández Paloma , Ferrari Gerson
Published: October 2022

Neighborhood built environment is associated with domain-specific physical activity. However, few studies with representative samples have examined the association between perceived neighborhood safety indicators and domain-specific active transportation in Latin America. This study aimed to examine the associations of perceived neighborhood safety with domain-specific active transportation in adults from eight Latin American countries. Data were obtained from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health (n = 8547, aged 18–65). Active transportation (walking and cycling) was assessed using the long form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Specifically, traffic density and speed as well as street lightening, visibility of residents regarding pedestrians and bicyclists, traffic lights and crosswalks, safety of public spaces during the day and at night, crime rate during the day and at night were used to evaluate perceived neighborhood safety. Slow traffic speeds, unsafe public spaces during the day, and crime during the day were associated with ≥10 min/week vs. <10 min/week of walking. Furthermore, drivers exceeding the speed limit and crime rate during the day were associated with reporting ≥10 min/week vs. <10 min/week of cycling. These results indicate a stronger association of the perceived neighborhood safety with walking compared to cycling.
Motivational Climate, Anxiety and Physical Self-Concept in Trainee Physical Education Teachers—An Explanatory Model Regarding Physical Activity Practice Time
Authors: Melguizo-Ibáñez Eduardo , Zurita-Ortega Félix , Ubago-Jiménez José Luis , Puertas-Molero Pilar , González-Valero Gabriel
Published: October 2022

There is an increase in sedentary lifestyles among young people. However, the development of a certain motivational climate can play a key role in the prevention of such lifestyles. Taking into account the aforementioned, the present research aims to establish the relationship between the motivational climate towards sport, anxiety and physical self-concept and to identify and clarify the existing relationships between anxiety, motivational climate and physical self-concept, by breaking down this objective into (a) developing an explanatory model of the motivational climate towards sport and its relationship with anxiety and physical self-concept and (b) contrasting the structural model by means of a multi-group analysis, according to the time spent doing physical activity per week. For this purpose, a cross-sectional descriptive and comparative study was carried out with a total of 568 university students (M = 25.09; SD = 6.22). A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Spanish version of the Perceived Motivation Climate Questionnaire in Sport, the Self-Concept Form-5 and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were used for data collection. The results show that more time spent doing physical activity brings benefits in terms of physical self-concept and homework climate, helping to reduce anxiety levels. As conclusions, it is observed that a longer time spent doing physical activity brings benefits in the channelling of disruptive states and improvements in physical self-concept.
Prevalence and Predictors of Sleep Disturbance, Anxiety and Depression among Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Aldabayan Yousef S. , Alqahtani Jaber S. , Al Rajeh Ahmed M. , Abdelhafez Amal Ismael , Siraj Rayan A. , Thirunavukkarasu Vidhya , Aldhahir Abdulelah M.
Published: October 2022

Background: Poor sleep quality, depression, and anxiety are common comorbidities among individuals with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs). However, there has been no work to estimate their prevalence and assess their associations among the CRDs population in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in primary healthcare centers and included a total of 390 patients. Structured self-administered questionnaires were completed that included the Sleep Quality Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between patients’ characteristics and sleep disturbance, anxiety and depression. Results: Poor sleep quality, depression, and anxiety affect 75%, 49.2%, and 36.4% of the study participants, respectively. The PSQI was significantly correlated with anxiety (r = 0.30) and depression (r = 0.16). Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between anxiety and depression (r = 0.44). The predictors of poor sleep quality were age, gender, and family history of CRDs, education level and anxiety and these variables accounted for 0.19% of the variance in PSQI. Variables that independently predicted an increased level of depression were age, gender, marital status, family history of CRDs, diagnosis, previous hospital admission, the presence of comorbidities, dyspnea last month and anxiety. On the other hand, the variables that independently predicted an increased level of anxiety were age, BMI, family history of CRDs, previous hospital admission, the presence of comorbidities, dyspnea last month and depression. Conclusion: Healthcare providers managing patients with CRDs should be alert to the high prevalence of poor sleep quality, depression, and anxiety. Appropriate interventions to reduce the prevalence should be developed and timely applied.
Can Patients Co-Create Value in an Online Healthcare Platform? An Examination of Value Co-Creation
Authors: Ding Xiaoyan , You Xiang , Zhang Xin , Yu Yue
Published: October 2022

With the development of online healthcare services, patients could receive support and create value with other users on online healthcare platforms. However, little research has been conducted on the internal mechanisms of patient value co-creation from the perspective of online healthcare platforms. To analyze patient value co-creation in online healthcare platforms, this study explores the underlying mechanisms of patient value co-creation among patients. The results show that value co-creation includes patient citizenship behavior and participation behavior. Information quality, peer communication, and system quality influence functional experiences and emotional experiences. In addition, functional experiences and emotional experiences could influence patient value co-creation. This study clarifies the mechanism of value co-creation among patients and provides insight into value co-creation in online healthcare platforms.
Hip Range of Motion and Strength in Male Athletes with Stage 1 Osteitis Pubis: A Cross-Sectional and Correlational Study
Authors: Ceballos-Laita Luis , Hernando-Garijo Ignacio , Medrano-de-la-Fuente Ricardo , Mingo-Gómez María Teresa , Carrasco-Uribarren Andoni , Jiménez-del-Barrio Sandra
Published: October 2022

Background: The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine whether athletes with stage 1 osteitis pubis (OP) present differences in hip range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength, between both sides and compared with healthy athletes; (2) to investigate the relationship between the internal rotation (IR) ROM and pain intensity and physical function. Methods: a cross-sectional and correlational study was designed, in which 30 athletes (15 athletes with stage 1 OP and 15 healthy athletes) were included. Pain intensity, physical function, hip ROM and hip muscle strength were assessed. Results: The ROM assessment reported significant differences between both groups in the IR, external rotation (ER) and adduction (ADD) ROM of the painful side (PS) (p < 0.05). The OP group showed differences between both sides in IR ER and ADD ROM (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between or within groups in the maximum isometric strength of the hip (p > 0.05). A strong negative correlation between pain intensity and IR ROM (r = −0.640) and a strong positive correlation between physical function and IR ROM (r = 0.563) were found in the OP group. Conclusions: Male athletes with stage 1 OP present a hip IR, ER and ADD ROM limitation in the PS compared to non-PS and to healthy athletes. IR ROM is correlated to pain intensity and physical function in athletes with stage 1 OP.
Perception of Synchronized Online Teaching Using Blackboard Collaborate among Undergraduate Dental Students in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khan Abdul Ahad , Onwuka Chidozie Ifechi , Abullais Shahabe Saquib , Alqahtani Nasser Mohammad , Kota Mohammad Zahir , Atta Abosofyan Salih , Shah Shahi Jahan , Ibrahim Mohammed , Asif Shaik Mohammed , Elagib Mohamed Fadul A.
Published: October 2022

Blackboard is a collaborative virtual learning tool used for higher learning that has been found to be an effective and efficient means of interactions between teachers and students and offers effective educational information management. The aim of this research work is to assess the preclinical and clinical dental students’ perception of Blackboard Collaborate as a quality teaching and learning tool as well as to find out areas that might appear as barriers to quality teaching and learning. This cross-sectional study was conducted online using survey monkey involving 245 dental students who had participated in the virtual classroom lectures during the pandemic with 18 students not completing the survey. The survey instrument was a nine-item questionnaire that included the age, sex, and year of study of the students as well as previous exposure to online lectures. The data collated was analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics for windows version 22. Among 245 respondents that were enrolled in the study, 227 respondents completed the survey, of which 58.1% (n = 132) were male while 41.9% (n = 95) were females. Of the 227 respondents that completed this study, 74.8% (n = 170) of them experienced minimum to moderate technical problems regarding connectivity during the online sessions while 1.8% (n = 4) of the respondents experienced very severe technical problems. The majority of the respondents 54.2% (n = 123) support the continuation of online lectures even after the pandemic. In conclusion, we found a positive perception of our respondents to online lectures using Blackboard Collaborate. Internet connectivity as well as a decline in the comprehension of the lectures as compared to face-to-face learning were found as barriers to online learning.
CO Detection System Based on TDLAS Using a 4.625 μm Interband Cascaded Laser
Authors: Li Kun , Wang Boyang , Yuan Mingyao , Yang Zhixiong , Yu Chunchao , Zheng Weijian
Published: October 2022

During industrial operations and in confined places, carbon monoxide (CO) may collect in harmful proportions if ventilation is insufficient or appliances are not properly maintained. When the concentration of CO is too high, it might result in suffocation, coma, or even death. The detection of tiny concentrations of CO plays an important role in safe production. Due to the selective absorption of specific wavelengths of light by gas molecules, lasers have a wide range of applications in the field of gas detection. In this paper, a tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) system for CO detection was constructed using an interband cascaded laser (ICL) with a central wavelength of 4.625 μm. The modulated signal generated by the FPGA module was output to the laser controller to modulate the laser. The signal received by the detector was input to the FPGA module. After lock-in amplification, the second harmonic signal of high frequency modulation was output. Several concentrations of CO that were dispersed via static gas distribution were identified. A CO detection system with an open optical path was constructed, and the detection distance was about 8 m. The minimum detectable concentration is around 10.32 ppmm. The concentration of CO in the open optical path was 510.6 ppmm, according to the calibration of the detected concentration. The remote detection system based on TDLAS using an ICL can be used to monitor CO in the open optical path.
Relationship between a Maximum Plank Assessment and Fitness, Health Behaviors, and Moods in Tactical Athletes: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Sax van der Weyden Megan , Toczko Michael , Fyock-Martin Marcie , Martin Joel
Published: October 2022

A maximum plank hold (PH) has been implemented in the Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT) with the Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) program. The H2F program introduces a shift in wellbeing from a fitness centered approach to framework also comprising nutrition, sleep, mental, and spiritual components. The purpose was to analyze how a maximum PH correlated with fitness, lifestyle behaviors, and mood states in tactical athletes (TA) and assess differences between those who pass and fail. Forty-nine TA completed fitness testing, lifestyle behavior, and mood state surveys. Bivariate correlations were used to examine relationships with PH performance. PH time was significantly correlated with total body mass, fat mass, BMI, push-ups, and state physical energy (SPE). VO2max was significantly different between the groups who passed and failed the PH. PH was not associated with lifestyle behaviors or trait mood states. PH performance could vary day-to-day as it was correlated with SPE. Individuals with poorer aerobic fitness and body composition may be at risk for failing the PH.
Promoting Health and Behavior Change through Evidence-Based Landscape Interventions in Rural Communities: A Pilot Protocol
Authors: Jiang Shan , Datta Udday , Jones Christine
Published: October 2022

Rural communities in the United States have many public health issues, including a high prevalence of physical inactivity, obesity, and higher risks for major non-communicable diseases. A lack of safe and convenient places to exercise could intensify healthy lifestyle disparities. Individually adapted physical activity prescriptions at the primary level of healthcare could play a role in behavior change for rural residents. Healthcare professionals and designers created the rural wellness hub concept, which integrates walking trails and therapeutic landscape features on the clinic site, to support patient physician-prescribed activities and treatments. This research protocol reports the design and implementation of the rural wellness hub at a clinic in Clay County, West Virginia. Following a participatory, evidence-based landscape intervention (EBLI) protocol, 58 user representatives (patient = 49; clinic employee = 9) participated in the four-phase protocol: (1) pre-design survey, (2) design and development, (3) post-design interview, and (4) post-occupancy evaluation. Survey and interview data from all phases were collected and analyzed. The preliminary results indicate that the redesigned clinic campus could promote several health programs among local communities, with the benefits of walking trails, in particular, highlighted. The rigorous EBLI protocol could serve as a template for rural communities that seek to develop similar healthcare intervention programs.
Have Deaths of Despair Risen during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Systematic Review
Authors: Rahimi-Ardabili Hania , Feng Xiaoqi , Nguyen Phi-Yen , Astell-Burt Thomas
Published: October 2022

This systematic review synthesized literature on potential impacts of protracted isolation and other disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic on deaths of despair (suicide, overdoses, and drug-related liver diseases). Five electronic databases were searched yielding 70 eligible articles. Extant evidence mostly from high-income countries indicates COVID-19-related disruption may not have influenced suicide rates so far, but there have been reports of increased drug-related and liver disease mortality. Minority groups and women were more vulnerable, indicating the need for stronger equity focus on pandemic recovery and resilience strategies. Further high-quality studies with longer-term follow-up, especially from low-income countries, will inform these strategies.
Potential Impact of FDA Flavor Enforcement Policy on Vaping Behavior on Twitter
Authors: Xie Zidian , Ruan Jinlong , Jiang Yifan , Zhang Bokai , Chen Tianlang , Luo Jiebo , Li Dongmei
Published: October 2022

In January 2020, the FDA announced an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) flavor enforcement policy to restrict the sale of all unauthorized cartridge-based flavored e-cigarettes except tobacco and menthol flavors, which was implemented on 6 February 2020. This study aimed to understand the potential influence of this policy on one vaping behavior change—quitting vaping—using Twitter data. Twitter posts (tweets) related to e-cigarettes were collected between June 2019 and October 2020 through a Twitter streaming API. Based on the geolocation and keywords related to quitting vaping, tweets mentioning quitting vaping from the US were filtered. The demographics (age and gender) of Twitter users who mentioned quitting vaping were further inferred using a deep learning algorithm (deepFace). The proportion of tweets and Twitter users mentioning quitting vaping were compared between before and after the announcement and implementation of the flavor policy. Compared to before the FDA flavor policy, the proportion of tweets (from 0.11% to 0.20% and 0.24%) and Twitter users (from 0.15% to 0.70% and 0.86%) mentioning quitting vaping were significantly higher after the announcement and implementation of the policy (p-value < 0.001). In addition, there was an increasing trend in the proportion of female and young adults (18–35 years old) mentioning quitting vaping on Twitter after the announcement and implementation of the policy compared to that before the policy. Our results showed that the FDA flavor enforcement policy did have a positive impact on quitting vaping on Twitter. Our study provides an initial evaluation of the potential influence of the FDA flavor enforcement policy on user vaping behavior.
The Relationship between Environmental Regulation, Industrial Transformation Change and Urban Low-Carbon Development: Evidence from 282 Cities in China
Authors: Chen Kun , Chen Yinrong , Zhu Qingying , Liu Min
Published: October 2022

Environmental regulation (ER) plays an important role in urban low-carbon development (ULCD). First of all, we evaluate the ULCD level of 282 cities in China from 2005 to 2020 by constructing an index group and entropy method. Two panel models are then used to test the spillover effects and threshold effects of ER and industrial structure on ULCD. The results show that the ULCD level of most cities is still in grade III (0.27–0.38) or IV (0.38–0.49), and the level of central-western cities is generally lower than that of eastern cities. Furthermore, the spillover effect of ER and industrial structure upgrading (UIS) on ULCD is positive in eastern cities (0.038) but opposite in central or western cities (−0.024). Further results show that the positive effects of optimization of industrial structure (OIS) and UIS are gradually increasing with the improvement of ER. However, the positive effects are more beneficial to the eastern cities. Therefore, the conclusions of this study can provide a decision-making reference for local government to comprehensively formulate environmental and industrial policies to enhance the low-carbon development of cities.
Experiences and Needs of Patients, Caregivers and Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Study Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Multicentre Study
Authors: Balice-Bourgois Colette , Bonetti Loris , Tolotti Angela , Liptrott Sarah Jayne , Villa Michele , Luca Corina Elena , Steiner Laura Maria , Biegger Annette , Goncalves Silvia , Moser Laura , Palermo Antonio , Sari Davide , Valcarenghi Dario
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is a major public health problem with millions of confirmed cases and deaths described. Nurses are among the health care professionals most involved at the front line, caring for those affected by COVID-19. Patients and families have been subjected to a high emotional burden of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the approach to patients, the organisation of care, and communication with patients and their families, all requiring considerable adaptation on the part of nurses and health care professionals. The overall aim of this research was to find out the needs of patients with COVID-19, the nursing interventions provided and their outcomes, and to explore the experiences of the nurses, patients, and caregivers. A mixed method study will be performed with a convergent design. The study was divided into three phases. Quantitative methods involved nurses and patients affected by COVID-19 with a questionnaire. Qualitative methods involved nurses, patients, and caregivers with interviews and finally a quantitative analysis of the nursing documentation of the interviewed patients. We hope that this study will help us to understand and identify the main nursing and support needs expressed by patients and their families at different stages of their illness.
Relationship between Early Childhood Caries and Prolonged Coughing Episodes in a Cohort of Cambodian Children
Authors: Chowdhury Noureen , Turton Bathsheba , Chher Tepirou , Hak Sithan , Hondru Gabriela , Sokal-Gutierrez Karen
Published: October 2022

Studies have shown an association between Early Childhood Caries (ECC) and respiratory infections; however, most have been cross-sectional, and all have been in high-income countries. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to longitudinal data from the Cambodia Health and Nutrition Monitoring Study. An analytical sample of 1703 Cambodian children between 1- and 4-years old was used to examine the effect of caries incidence (ECC Activity) on the odds of a child subsequently experiencing an episode of prolonged coughing (>14 days) over the subsequent 18 m. ECC activity occurred among 523 children (30.7%) while prolonged coughing was observed among 235 children (13.8%). ECC activity increased the risk of prolonged coughing (RR 1.23; 95% CI 0.95, 1.58; Average treatment effect = 3%). Follow-up investigations are justified in order to examine whether ECC may be a modifiable risk factor for prevention of respiratory illness among young children.
Research on the Long-Term Governance Mechanism of Urban and Rural Living Environment Based on the Ordered Logistic-ISM Model in the Perspective of Sustainable Development
Authors: Li Yufeng , Huang Ziwei , Li Yonghang , Xu Pu
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Even though the quality of life in urban and rural areas is better than in traditional rural villages, it is hard to keep up good governance over the long term. Exploring the limitations of villagers’ participation in the long-term management of urban rural habitat is exemplary from the perspective of sustainable development in order to improve rural habitat, promote sustainable economic and environmental development, and accomplish rural revitalization. (2) Methods: Long-term management indicators were proposed to provide a technique for evaluating the governance efficacy of urban and rural living environments. Based on the survey data obtained in Shanghai, the ordered logistic-ISM model was used to examine the influencing aspects of urban and rural living environment governance efficacy. (3) Results: In addition to environmental improvement conditions and other factors, long-term management in the village has a significant favorable impact on the evaluation of the governance effect on the living environment in urban and rural locations. (4) Conclusions: Long-term management directly supports villager engagement in environmental development and village infrastructure improvement and has a significant positive impact on the governance of urban and rural living environments. Improvements in infrastructure immediately benefit the administration of urban and rural living situations. Creating a long-term management structure, supporting cooperative governance, optimizing corrective actions, coordinating investments, and advancing ecological and economic sustainability are just a few of the policy improvements suggested.
Changes in Collective Efficacy’s Preventive Effect on Intimate Partner Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Souma Toshihiko , Komura Kentaro , Arai Takashi , Shimada Takahito , Kanemasa Yuji
Published: October 2022

Following the logic of studies showing that collective efficacy within neighborhoods deters intimate partner violence (IPV), the promotion of social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic may have weakened that effect. To examine that possibility, we analyzed panel data from 318 adults in Japan regarding IPV victimization and perceived collective efficacy at four time points. A latent growth model (LGM) analysis for each measure revealed that informal social control, a subscale of collective efficacy, has declined since the pandemic began, whereas no significant changes have occurred in social cohesion and trust, another subscale of collective efficacy, and IPV victimization. Furthermore, two parallel LGM analyses revealed that although collective efficacy before the pandemic suppressed subsequent IPV victimization, changes in collective efficacy during the pandemic have been positively associated with changes in IPV. Those results suggest that collective efficacy’s protective effect on IPV is moderated by whether interactions between intimate partners and their neighbors are socially normative.
Would Financial Development Help China Achieve Carbon Peak Emissions?
Authors: Ji Ping , Huo Weidong , Bo Lan , Zhang Weiwei , Chen Xiaoxian
Published: October 2022

China has committed to reaching carbon peak before 2030. To realize the carbon peak goal, financial development plays an essential role in developing a green economy. Based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2019, this paper explores the impact of financial development on carbon intensity both theoretically and empirically. A financial development index system is constructed and computed using the entropy method. A spatial lag panel data model is employed to empirically test the interaction effect of financial development on carbon intensity. Moreover, the mediating effects of industrial upgrading and technological innovation are further investigated. The results show that: first, carbon intensity generates strong spatial spillover effects between provinces in China. Second, financial development significantly reduces carbon intensity, and is most pronounced in central China, followed by western and eastern China. Third, industrial upgrading and technological innovation are important channels to assist financial development in cutting down carbon intensity, and both produce positive spatial spillover effects. These findings suggest that inter-regional cooperation and coordination on financial development, industrial upgrading, and technological innovation are conducive to achieving low-carbon development targets. This research not only has practical significance to China, but also provides global reference value to other countries.
Using One-Step Acid Leaching for the Recovering of Coal Gasification Fine Slag as Functional Adsorbents: Preparation and Performance
Authors: Li Tianpeng , He Shaocang , Shen Tingting , Sun Jing , Sun Chenxu , Pan Haoqi , Yu Dehai , Lu Wenxue , Li Runyao , Zhang Enshan , Lu Xuqian , Fan Yuxuan , Gao Guiyue
Published: October 2022

Coal gasification fine slag (FS), a kind of by-product of coal chemical industry, was recovered for the preparation of functional adsorbents by acid leaching process, which was orthogonally optimized by HCl, HNO3, HF, HAc, and H2SO4. Methylene blue (MB) was used to evaluate the performance of functional adsorbents. The results demonstrated that 57.6% of the leaching efficiency (RLE) and 162.94 mg/g of adsorption capacity (CAC) of MB were achieved under the optimal conditions of HNO3 of 2.0 mol/L, acid leaching time of 2.0 h, and acid leaching temperature of 293K. The detections on X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and BET surface area (SBET) indicated that the synthesized functional adsorbents were characterized by mesoporous materials. The good fitting of adsorption process using pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models demonstrated that the chemisorption contributed to MB removal. The results of thermodynamics further revealed that the adsorption process of MB occurred spontaneously due to the exothermic properties. The work is expected to develop a novel and cost-effective strategy for the safe disposal of FS, and potentially offer an alternative pathway to increase the additional value for the coal chemical industry.
A Study on the Impact of Organizing Environmental Awareness and Education on the Performance of Environmental Governance in China
Authors: Niu Yifei , Wang Xi , Lin Ciyun
Published: October 2022

The advancement of technology and economic development has raised the standard of living and at the same time brought a greater burden to the environment. Environmental governance has become a common concern around the world, and although China’s environmental governance has achieved some success, it is still a long way from the ultimate goal. This paper empirically analyzes the impact of environmental publicity and education on environmental governance performance, using public participation as a mediator. The results show that: the direct effect of environmental publicity and education on environmental governance performance is not significant; environmental publicity and education have a significant positive effect on public participation; public participation significantly contributes to environmental governance performance; public participation shows a good mediating effect between environmental publicity and education and environmental governance performance. The government should adopt diversified environmental protection publicity and education in future environmental governance, and vigorously promote public participation in environmental governance so that the goal of environmental governance can be fundamentally accomplished by all people.
SkinSensPred as a Promising in Silico Tool for Integrated Testing Strategy on Skin Sensitization
Authors: Wang Shan-Shan , Wang Chia-Chi , Tung Chun-Wei
Published: October 2022

Skin sensitization is an important regulatory endpoint associated with allergic contact dermatitis. Recently, several adverse outcome pathway (AOP)-based alternative methods were developed to replace animal testing for evaluating skin sensitizers. The AOP-based assays were further integrated as a two-out-of-three method with good predictivity. However, the acquisition of experimental data is resource-intensive. In contrast, an integrated testing strategy (ITS) capable of maximizing the usage of laboratory data from AOP-based and in silico methods was developed as defined approaches (DAs) to both hazard and potency assessment. There are currently two in silico models, namely Derek Nexus and OECD QSAR Toolbox, evaluated in the OECD Testing Guideline No. 497. Since more advanced machine learning algorithms have been proposed for skin sensitization prediction, it is therefore desirable to evaluate their performance under the ITS framework. This study evaluated the performance of a new ITS DA (ITS-SkinSensPred) adopting a transfer learning-based SkinSensPred model. Results showed that the ITS-SkinSensPred has similar or slightly better performance compared to the other ITS models. SkinSensPred-based ITS is expected to be a promising method for assessing skin sensitization.
Deep Mobile Linguistic Therapy for Patients with ASD
Authors: Ortiz Castellanos Ari Ernesto , Liu Chuan-Ming , Shi Chongyang
Published: October 2022

Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the most complex groups of neurobehavioral and developmental conditions. The reason is the presence of three different impaired domains, such as social interaction, communication, and restricted repetitive behaviors. Some children with ASD may not be able to communicate using language or speech. Many experts propose that continued therapy in the form of software training in this area might help to bring improvement. In this work, we propose a design of software speech therapy system for ASD. We combined different devices, technologies, and features with techniques of home rehabilitation. We used TensorFlow for Image Classification, ArKit for Text-to-Speech, Cloud Database, Binary Search, Natural Language Processing, Dataset of Sentences, and Dataset of Images with two different Operating Systems designed for Smart Mobile devices in daily life. This software is a combination of different Deep Learning Technologies and makes Human–Computer Interaction Therapy very easy to conduct. In addition, we explain the way these were connected and put to work together. Additionally, we explain in detail the architecture of software and how each component works together as an integrated Therapy System. Finally, it allows the patient with ASD to perform the therapy anytime and everywhere, as well as transmitting information to a medical specialist.
Infant Age Moderates Associations between Infant Temperament and Maternal Technology Use during Infant Feeding and Care
Authors: Davis Maya I. , Delfosse Camille M. , Ventura Alison K.
Published: October 2022

Previous research illustrated that infants’ temperamental traits shape parents’ behaviors, but parents’ behaviors can also elicit or intensify infants’ behaviors in ways that shape temperament. One understudied aspect of parenting that may exhibit bidirectional influences with temperament is parent technology use (e.g., use of mobile devices) within family contexts. To date, few studies have examined whether maternal technology use is associated with infant temperament and whether age-related differences in these associations exist. The present study was a secondary analysis of pooled data from three infant feeding studies. Mothers (n = 374) of young infants (age 16.2 ± 6.2 weeks) completed measures of maternal technology use during infant feeding and care interactions, infant temperament, and family demographics. Maternal technology use was positively associated with negative affectivity and negatively associated with orienting/regulatory capacity but was not associated with positive affectivity/surgency. The association between maternal technology use and negative affectivity was stronger for younger infants than older infants, while the association between maternal technology use and orienting/regulatory capacity was not significant for younger infants but was for older infants. Findings suggest maternal technology use is associated with infant negative affectivity and orienting/regulatory capacity, but the strength of these associations may change with infant age. Further longitudinal research is needed to verify this interpretation and understand mechanisms underlying these associations.
PCNs, PCBs, and PCDD/Fs in Soil around a Cement Kiln Co-Processing Municipal Wastes in Northwestern China: Levels, Distribution, and Potential Human Health Risks
Authors: Han Jiali , Xu Chenyang , Jin Jun , Hu Jicheng
Published: October 2022

To evaluate the impact of the first cement kiln co-processing municipal wastes in northwest China on the surrounding environment, the concentrations of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were determined in 17 soil samples collected around the plant. The concentration ranges of PCNs, PCBs, and PCDD/Fs were 132–1288, 10.8–59.5, and 2.50–5.95 pg/g, and the ranges of toxic equivalents (TEQ) were 1.98–20.8, 2.36–48.0, and 73.2–418 fg/g, respectively. The concentrations of PCNs, PCBs, and PCDD/Fs in this study were generally lower than those in soil around municipal waste incinerators and industrial parks in other areas. An exponential function equation was applied for the relationship between the concentration of the target compounds and the distance from the cement kiln stack, the results showed that PCN and PCB concentrations declined with the increasing of distance from the stack. Furthermore, it was found that the effect of the cement kiln on surrounding soil contaminations with PCNs and PCBs was stronger than that of PCDD/Fs by comparing the PCN, PCB, and PCDD/F homologue profiles in the fly ash sample from the plant and soil samples at different distances. The total carcinogenic risks (CR) of PCNs, PCBs, and PCDD/Fs for children and adults in soil were 1.65 × 10−8–8.93 × 10−8 and 1.70 × 10−8–9.16 × 10−8, respectively, which was less than the risk threshold (CR = 1 × 10−6), and there was no health risk.
Transition to Motherhood: A Study on the Association between Somatic Symptoms during Pregnancy and Post-Partum Anxiety and Depression Symptoms
Authors: Tambelli Renata , Ballarotto Giulia , Trumello Carmen , Babore Alessandra
Published: October 2022

Several authors found that somatic symptoms during pregnancy such as nausea, vomiting, and levels of sleep, and fear of childbirth were associated with women’s post-partum psychopathological difficulties. The present study aimed to verify whether fear of childbirth can mediate the relationship between some somatic symptoms experienced during pregnancy (i.e., nausea, vomiting, and daily sleep duration) and the post-partum depressive and anxious symptoms. N = 258 mothers of children between 3 and 6 months of age filled out self-report questionnaires assessing somatic symptoms during pregnancy, fear of childbirth, and anxious and depressive symptoms during post-partum. Results showed that levels of vomiting during pregnancy (but not nausea and daily sleep duration) was associated with post-partum depression and anxiety. Furthermore, findings showed that fear of childbirth partially mediated the relationships between the levels of vomiting during pregnancy and post-partum state anxiety and depression. These results can have several clinical implications, allowing to implement preventive programs for post-partum depression, considering vomiting and fear of childbirth as important risk factors.
Aerobic Training for Healthy Men and Women: Determining Intensities by Different Equations
Authors: Policarpo Barbosa Fernando , Oliveira Andre M. , Hernández-Mosqueira Claudio , Pavez-Adasme Gustavo , Luna-Villouta Pablo , Azocar-Gallardo Jairo
Published: October 2022

The aim of this study is to develop equations for aerobic exercise prescription for the intensities of 50, 60, 70 and 80% in healthy subjects of both sexes. Method. This is a cross-sectional study with convenience sampling drawn from a database of 228 healthy subjects who were randomized into the regression group (GR: 197 subjects (male = 143 and female = 54)) and cross-validation group (CVG: 31 individuals [men = 20 and women = 11]). Kohavi’s assumptions were followed in relation to cross-validation and bootstrap for precision estimation and model selection. The GR was used to build the estimation equations from the multiple linear regression. The CVG was determined to analyze the validity in the estimation equations. The equations to determine the intensities were constructed by means of multiple regression, the independent variables were determined by the stepwise method, observing the significance level of p < 0.05. Results. The reliability level of Cronbach’s alpha of the multiple linear regression equations was moderate for the intensity of 50% (0.51); for the intensities of 60, 70 and 80%, it corresponded to 0.50, 0.53 and 0.57, respectively. Conclusion. The results show that it is possible to apply the equations in the determination of aerobic exercise intensities for healthy individuals. However, the need for further studies in other populations to prove the reliability of the proposed equations is evident.
Effects of High Intensity Interval Training versus Sprint Interval Training on Cardiac Autonomic Modulation in Healthy Women
Authors: Oliveira Jordana , Gentil Paulo , Naves João Pedro , Souza Filho Luiz Fernando , Silva Lucas , Zamunér Antonio Roberto , de Lira Claudio Andre , Rebelo Ana
Published: October 2022

Background: For the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, the practice of physical exercises is an effective strategy in improving or maintaining cardiorespiratory health; however, a lack of time is a barrier to access and interval training appears as possible facilitator. This study aims to compare the effects of two interval training protocols on cardiac autonomic modulation in healthy women. Methods: we conducted a randomized clinical trial with 43 women with a mean age of 29.96 ± 6.25 years, allocated into two groups; high-intensity interval training (HIIT) consisting of four four-minute high-intensity sprints interspersed with three minutes of active recovery and the Sprint interval training (SIT) with four 30-s sprints all-out, interspersed with four minutes of recovery (active or passive). Results: the HIIT group presented better results for the patterns without variation (0V) variables (p = 0.022); Shannon entropy (p = 0.004) Conditional Entropy (p = 0.025). However, there was a significant group effect for some variables, Oxygen Volume (VO2) (p = 0.004), Square root of the mean quadratic differences between the adjacent normal R-R intervals (p = 0.002) and standard deviation of all normal R-R intervals recorded in a time interval (p = 0.003), demonstrating an improvement independent of the protocol. Conclusion: we conclude that eight weeks of interval training were able to produce positive effects on cardiac autonomic modulation in healthy women, with better results for HIIT in this population.