bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cooking Methods on Amphenicols and Metabolites Residues in Livestock and Poultry Meat Spiked Tissues
Authors: Wu Manli , Cheng Xin , Wu Xinyi , Qian Hang , Wang Wei
Published: November 2022

Foods of animal origin, as nutritional supplements, are usually consumed after cooking, but residues of amphenicols in fresh raw meat threaten human health. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effects of boiling, deep-frying and microwave processing under different time conditions on the residue levels of amphenicols and metabolites in livestock and poultry meat. Antibiotic-free pork, beef, lamb and chicken samples were spiked with chloramphenicol (CAP), thiamphenicol (TAP), florfenicol (FF) and florfenicol amine (FFA) standard solutions and made into homogeneous meat blocks. These positive mock meat blocks were processed using three different cooking methods, and the analyses were performed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The results showed that cooking methods, time and food matrices were the main factors influencing the changes in amphenicols and metabolites residues in livestock and poultry meat. With the increase in cooking time, boiling processing was the most effective in reducing the four drug residues in livestock and poultry meat matrices, followed by deep-frying, while microwaving caused an increase in drug residue concentrations. Although boiling and frying processes are effective strategies to reduce amphenicols and metabolites residues in meat, it cannot be assumed that these residues can always decrease to levels that are safe for consumer health, especially when the drug residue concentrations in raw meat are above the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Therefore, it is not reliable to remove residues of amphenicols and metabolites from food by cooking. The solution to the food safety problem of veterinary drug residues must start from the breeding source and accelerate the implementation of antibiotic reduction, antibiotic substitution and antibiotic-free farming.
Study on the Identification and Detection of Walnut Quality Based on Terahertz Imaging
Authors: Hu Jun , Shi Hongyang , Zhan Chaohui , Qiao Peng , He Yong , Liu Yande
Published: November 2022

Objective: Walnuts have rich nutritional value and are favored by the majority of consumers. As walnuts are shelled nuts, they are prone to suffer from defects such as mildew during storage. The fullness and mildew of the fruit impose effects on the quality of the walnuts. Therefore, it is of great economic significance to carry out a study on the rapid, non-destructive detection of walnut quality. Methods: Terahertz spectroscopy, with wavelengths between infrared and electromagnetic waves, has unique detection advantages. In this paper, the rapid and nondestructive detection of walnut mildew and fullness based on terahertz spectroscopy is carried out using the emerging terahertz transmission spectroscopy imaging technology. First, the normal walnuts and mildewed walnuts are identified and analyzed. At the same time, the image processing is carried out on the physical samples with different kernel sizes to calculate the fullness of the walnut kernels. The THz image of the walnuts is collected to extract the spectral information in different regions of interest. Four kinds of time domain signals in different regions of interest are extracted, and three qualitative discrimination models are established, including the support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), and k-nearest neighbor (KNN) algorithms. In addition, in order to realize the visual expression of walnut fullness, the terahertz images of the walnut are segmented with a binarization threshold, and the walnut fullness is calculated by the proportion of the shell and kernel pixels. Results: In the frequency domain signal, the amplitude intensity from high to low is the mildew sample, walnut kernel, and walnut shell, and the distinction between walnut kernel, shell samples, and mildew samples is high. The overall identification accuracy of the aforementioned three models is 90.83%, 97.38%, and 97.87%, respectively. Among them, KNN has the best qualitative discrimination effect. In a single category, the recognition accuracy of the model for the walnut kernel, walnut shell, mildew sample, and reference group (background) reaches 94%, 100%, 97.43%, and 100%, respectively. The terahertz transmission images of the five categories of walnut samples with different kernel sizes are processed to visualize the detection of kernel fullness inside walnuts, and the errors are less than 5% compared to the actual fullness of walnuts. Conclusion: This study illustrates that terahertz spectroscopy detection can achieve the detection of walnut mildew, and terahertz imaging technology can realize the visual expression and fullness calculation of walnut kernels. Terahertz spectroscopy and imaging provides a non-destructive detection method for walnut quality, which can provide a reference for the quality detection of other dried nuts with shells, thus having significant practical value.
Influence of Peanut Varieties on the Sensory Quality of Peanut Butter
Authors: Sithole Tapiwa Reward , Ma Yu-Xiang , Qin Zhao , Liu Hua-Min , Wang Xue-De
Published: November 2022

Over the years, concentrated efforts have been directed toward the improvement of desirable characteristics and attributes in peanut cultivars. Most of these breed improvement programs have been targeting attributes that involve peanut growth, productivity, drought and disease tolerance, and oil quality and content, with only a few articles focusing directly on improvements in peanut butter organoleptic qualities. There are numerous peanut cultivars on the market today, with widely differing chemical compositions and metabolite profiles, about which little is known concerning their suitability for making peanut butter. In this review, we detail how the numerous peanut varieties on the market today, with their genetically conferred physiochemical attributes, can significantly affect the sensory quality attributes of peanut butter, even in peanut butter processing lines with optimized processes. If other peanut butter processing parameters are held constant, variations in the chemical composition and metabolite profiles of peanuts have a significant impact on peanut butter color, flavor, texture, storage stability, shelf life, and overall product acceptance by consumers. Further research on breeding programs for peanut varieties that are specifically tailored for peanut butter production, and even more comprehensive research on the synergetic relationship between peanut chemical composition and peanut butter organoleptic quality, are still required.
Changes in Protein Degradation and Non-Volatile Flavor Substances of Swimming Crab (Portunus trituberculatus) during Steaming
Authors: Chen Qin , Zhang Yurui , Jing Lunan , Xiao Naiyong , Wu Xugan , Shi Wenzheng
Published: November 2022

To investigate the effect of steaming time (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 min) on the protein degradation and non-volatile flavor substances of swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus), the moisture content, total nitrogen (TN), non-protein nitrogen (NPN), free amino acids (FAAs), flavor nucleotides, electronic tongue analysis, and sensory evaluation were determined. The results showed that the contents of NPN and total FAAs were the highest after crabs steamed for 10 min. Meanwhile, the AMP (adenosine monophosphate) content reached the maximum value (332.83 mg/100 g) and the taste active value (TAV) reached 6.67, which indicated that AMP contributes the most to the taste of steamed crab at 10 min. The electronic tongue distinguished the taste difference well, and the sensory score was the highest at 15 min. Combined with equivalent umami concentration (EUC) and TAV value, swimming crab (weight = 200 ± 20 g) steamed for 10–15 min tasted best.
Diversity of Legumes in the Cashew Agroforestry System in East Timor (Southeast Asia)
Authors: Guterres Lara , Duarte Maria Cristina , Catarino Silvia , Roxo Guilherme , Barnabé João , Sebastiana Mónica , Monteiro Filipa , Romeiras Maria Manuel
Published: November 2022

Cashew is an important export-oriented crop in several tropical countries, often under monocropping systems. Intercropping with legume species is promoted as a sustainable practice, enhancing agricultural productivity and providing nutritional food sources to rural communities. This study aimed to characterize the diversity of Leguminosae (or Fabaceae) in the cashew agroforestry systems of East Timor (Southeast Asia). Fourteen cashew orchards were sampled across the country, and information about leguminous species uses was collected from local populations. About 50 species are commonly part of the country’s cashew agroforestry system, many of them simultaneously used as food, fodder, and in traditional medicine. Six bean species—Cajanus cajan (L.) Huth, Phaseolus lunatus L., Phaseolus vulgaris L., Vigna angularis (Willd.) Ohwi and H.Ohashi, Vigna radiata (L.) R.Wilczek and Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.—are largely used as food. The mineral contents of these beans revealed relevant differences between species and, in some cases, between types (seed colour) within species. Periods of hunger and low food variety are frequent in East Timor, reflecting a very poor nutritional state of the population. Knowing and using legumes for local nutrition, as well as for healthcare and well-being, adds great value to these species as components of East Timor cashew agroforestry systems.
The Effect of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Gas and Plasma-Activated Water on the Physicochemical Changes in Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)
Authors: Zheng Yan , Zhu Yifan , Zheng Yanhong , Hu Jiajie , Chen Jing , Deng Shanggui
Published: November 2022

Button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are highly popular worldwide due to their rich nutritional value and health benefits. However, the rapid water loss rate and browning restrict their economic value. The atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) generated by the plasma equipment used by dielectric barrier discharge preservation technology is widely used for food preservation since it is cost-efficient and environmentally friendly, generating no chemical residues. This study established four treatment groups, namely the direct ACP treatment group (DBD), plasma-activated water immersion group (PAW), pure water immersion group (PW), and control group (control), to explore the effect that ACP preservation technology has on button mushrooms. The results indicated that ACP treatment decreased the pH of pure water from 5.90 ± 0.03 to 5.16 ± 0.03, while significantly increasing the temperature (p < 0.05). During the storage period, the browning index (BI) and E value were the lowest in the PAW group, which exhibited the best hardness and sensory properties. Neither the pH nor water activity changed significantly during the storage period in any of the groups. The polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in the button mushroom decreased significantly compared with the control after plasma-activated water treatment. In summary, plasma-activated water significantly reduced the BI and E value of button mushrooms, inhibited PPO activity, and yielded the most stable sensory properties for the optimal preservation of button mushrooms.
Motivations and Challenges for Adoption of Organic Grain Production: A Qualitative Study of Iowa Organic Farmers
Authors: Han Guang , Grudens-Schuck Nancy
Published: November 2022

Organic grains are essential for the organic food industry. In the U.S., low adoption of organic grain farming has constrained further development of the organic food sector. Organic food industry stakeholders have appealed to producers to increase domestic organic grain production. The U.S. federal government supports research and extension education regarding organic farming. In this context, there is a need for both agricultural researchers and extension professionals to further (1) examine the factors that motivate farmers to adopt organic grain farming and (2) identify the challenges that hinder farmers’ adoption of organic grain farming. We conducted 17 in-depth interviews with organic grain farmers in Iowa, USA. By applying multiple social-behavioral theories as part of the analysis and comparing interview results with the literature, we gained insight into the ways in which farmers formed adoption motivations, and we captured the dynamics of the motivations. We specifically identified challenges to adoption that were associated with organic farming operation and management, organic market accessibility, information and inputs availability, social tension, and level of support from the government. These findings shed light on the ways in which farmers’ adoption challenges have evolved with institutional, ecological, and technological changes over time and how contemporary research and extension may encourage adoption.
Controlled Parameter Estimation for The AR(1) Model with Stationary Gaussian Noise
Authors: Sun Lin , Cai Chunhao , Zhang Min
Published: November 2022

This paper deals with the maximum likelihood estimator for the parameter of first-order autoregressive models driven by the stationary Gaussian noises (Colored noise) together with an input. First, we will find the optimal input that maximizes the Fisher information, and then, with the method of the Laplace transform, both the asymptotic properties and the asymptotic design problem of the maximum likelihood estimator will be investigated. The results of the numerical simulation confirm the theoretical analysis and show that the proposed maximum likelihood estimator performs well in finite samples.
Well-Posedness and Regularity Results for Fractional Wave Equations with Time-Dependent Coefficients
Authors: Peng Li , Zhou Yong
Published: November 2022

Fractional wave equations with time-dependent coefficients are natural generations of classical wave equations which can be used to characterize propagation of wave in inhomogeneous media with frequency-dependent power-law behavior. This paper discusses the well-posedness and regularity results of the weak solution for a fractional wave equation allowing that the coefficients may have low regularity. Our analysis relies on mollification arguments, Galerkin methods, and energy arguments.
Approximation Solution for Fuzzy Fractional-Order Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Osman Mawia , Almahi Almegdad , Omer Omer Abdalrhman , Mustafa Altyeb Mohammed , Altaie Sarmad A.
Published: November 2022

In this article, the authors study the comparison of the generalization differential transform method (DTM) and fuzzy variational iteration method (VIM) applied to determining the approximate analytic solutions of fuzzy fractional KdV, K(2,2) and mKdV equations. Furthermore, we establish the approximation solution two-and three-dimensional fuzzy time-fractional telegraphic equations via the fuzzy reduced differential transform method (RDTM). Finding an exact or closed-approximation solution to a differential equation is possible via fuzzy RDTM. Finally, we present the fuzzy fractional variational homotopy perturbation iteration method (VHPIM) with a modified Riemann-Liouville derivative to solve the fuzzy fractional diffusion equation (FDE). Using this approach achieves a rapidly convergent sequence that approaches the exact solution of the equation. The proposed methods are investigated based on fuzzy fractional derivatives with some illustrative examples. The results reveal that the schemes are highly effective for obtaining the solutions to fuzzy fractional partial differential equations.
An Optimal Adaptive Grid Method Based on L1 Scheme for a Nonlinear Caputo Fractional Differential Equation
Authors: Yang Tao , Liu Li-Bin , Bao Xiaobing , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2022

A nonlinear fractional differential equation with a Caputo derivative of order α is studied. This problem is discretized by using the L1 scheme on an arbitrary nonuniform mesh. By utilizing the Taylor expansion with integral remainder term, an optimal local truncation error estimation of L1 scheme is proved. Based on this truncation error estimation and the mesh equidistribution principle, a new monitor function is constructed to construct an adaptive grid generation algorithm. Numerical experiments are performed to confirm the accuracy of our new adaptive grid algorithm.
A Neutrosophic Cubic Hesitant Fuzzy Decision Support System, Application in the Diagnosis and Grading of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Madasi Joseph , Al-Shbeil Isra , Cătaş Adriana , Aloraini Najla , Gulistan Muhammad , Azhar Muhammad
Published: November 2022

According to available estimates with WHO, cancers are the sixth leading cause of global human morbidity and mortality. Prostate Cancer is the fifth-ranked most lethal among various cancers, and hence it warrants serious, dedicated research for improving its early detection. The employed methodologies such as prostate-specific antigen test, Gleason Score, and T2 Staging lack precision and accuracy in conditions where information is scarring, vague and uncertain. Consequently, in the present study, the innovative use of neutrosophic cubic fuzzy sets (NCFS) is employed to improve prostate cancer detection in situations where basic information is vague, imprecise, and uncertain. Specific and critical similarity measures are defined for using NCFS methodology for the evaluation of prostate cancer. This methodology is found reasonably better compared to the existing benchmark methods for the detection and grading of prostate cancer.
Endogenous Game Choice and Giving Behavior in Distribution Games
Authors: Karagözoğlu Emin , Tosun Elif
Published: November 2022

We experimentally investigated the effects of the possibility of taking in the dictator game and the choices of passive players between the dictator game and the taking game on the distribution decisions of active players. Our main findings support our hypothesis: when the dictator game is not exogenously given but chosen by the receivers (or passive players), this makes them accountable, which leads to less giving by dictators. We also conducted an online survey to gain further insights about our experimental results. Survey participants predicted most of the observed behavior in the experiment and explained the factors that might have driven the predicted behavior using reasoning similar to ours. Our results provide a new perspective for the dependence of giving in the dictator game on contextual factors.
Molecular Mechanisms of Herbicide Resistance in Weeds
Authors: Torra Joel , Alcántara-de la Cruz Ricardo
Published: November 2022

Herbicides have become one of the most widespread weed-control tools in the world since their advent in the mid-20th century [...]
Population Structure and Selection Signatures Underlying Domestication Inferred from Genome-Wide Copy Number Variations in Chinese Indigenous Pigs
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zhou Mei , Liu Linqing , Su Shiguang , Dong Lin , Meng Xinxin , Li Xueting , Wang Chonglong
Published: November 2022

Single nucleotide polymorphism was widely used to perform genetic and evolution research in pigs. However, little is known about the effect of copy number variation (CNV) on characteristics in pigs. This study performed a genome-wide comparison of CNVs between Wannan black pigs (WBP) and Asian wild boars (AWB), using whole genome resequencing data. By using Manta, we detected in total 28,720 CNVs that covered approximately 1.98% of the pig genome length. We identified 288 selected CNVs (top 1%) by performing Fst statistics. Functional enrichment analyses for genes located in selected CNVs were found to be muscle related (NDN, TMOD4, SFRP1, and SMYD3), reproduction related (GJA1, CYP26B1, WNT5A, SRD5A2, PTPN11, SPEF2, and CCNB1), residual feed intake (RFI) related (MAP3K5), and ear size related (WIF1). This study provides essential information on selected CNVs in Wannan black pigs for further research on the genetic basis of the complex phenotypic and provides essential information for direction in the protection and utilization of Wannan black pig.
Noninvasive Prenatal Screening for Trisomy 21 in Patients with a Vanishing Twin
Authors: Kleinfinger Pascale , Luscan Armelle , Descourvieres Léa , Buzas Daniela , Boughalem Aicha , Serero Stéphane , Valduga Mylène , Trost Detlef , Costa Jean-Marc , Vivanti Alexandre J. , Lohmann Laurence
Published: November 2022

A vanishing twin (VT) occurs in up to 30% of early diagnosed twin pregnancies and is associated with an increased risk of fetal aneuploidy. Here, we describe our experience in a large VT population of 847 patients that underwent noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for common fetal trisomies over a three-year period. All patients underwent an ultrasound examination prior to NIPT. Two comparison populations were included, namely, the singleton (n = 105,560) and the viable multiple gestation pregnancy samples (n = 9691) collected over the same period. All NIPT samples in the VT population received a result, of which 14 were high-risk for trisomy 21 (1.6%), nine for trisomy 18 (1.1%), and six for trisomy 13 (0.7%). Diagnostic testing confirmed the presence of trisomy 21 in 6/12 samples, giving a positive predictive value of 50%. One trisomy 18 case and no trisomy 13 cases were confirmed. The time between fetal demise and NIPT sampling did not appear to affect the number of true- or false-positive cases. In conclusion, NIPT is an effective screening method for trisomy 21 in the surviving fetus(es) in VT pregnancies. For trisomies 18 and 13, a positive NIPT should be interpreted carefully and ultrasound monitoring is preferrable over invasive diagnostic testing.
Factors Predictive of Mortality among Geriatric Patients Sustaining Low-Energy Blunt Trauma
Authors: Patel Nikhil , Le Timothy N. , Demissie Seleshi , Pandya Shreya , Kania Thomas , Copty Michael , Alothman Sara , Rost Amy , Governo Chris , DiRoma Frank , Glinik Galina , Atanassov Krassimir , Khodorkovsky Boris , Szerszen Anita , Gave Asaf , Younan Duraid
Published: November 2022

Background: In geriatric trauma patients, higher mortality rate is observed compared to younger patients. A significant portion of trauma sustained by this age group comes from low-energy mechanisms (fall from standing or sitting). We sought to investigate the outcome of these patients and identify factors associated with mortality. Methods: A retrospective review of 1285 geriatric trauma patients who came to our level 1 trauma center for trauma activation (hospital alert to mobilize surgical trauma service, emergency department trauma team, nursing, and ancillary staff for highest level of critical care) after sustaining low-energy blunt trauma over a 1-year period. IRB approval was obtained, data collected included demographics, vital signs, laboratory data, injuries sustained, length of stay and outcomes. Patients were divided into three age categories: 65–74, 75–84 and >85. Comorbidities collected included a history of chronic renal failure, COPD, Hypertension and Myocardial Infarction. Results: 1285 geriatric patients (age > 65 years) presented to our level 1 trauma center for trauma activation with a low-energy blunt trauma during the study period; 34.8% of the patients were men, 20.5% had at least one comorbidity, and 89.6% were white. Median LOS was 5 days; 37 (2.9%) patients died. Age of 85 and over (OR 3.44 with 95% CI 1.01–11.7 and 2.85 with 95% CI 1.0–6.76, when compared to 65–74 and 75–84, respectively), injury severity score (ISS) (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.15) and the presence of more than one comorbidity (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.26 to 5.68) were independently predictive of death on multi-variable logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: Age more than 85 years, higher injury severity score and the presence of more than one comorbidity are independent predictors of mortality among geriatric patients presenting with low-energy blunt trauma.
Relative Handgrip Strength Mediates the Relationship between Hemoglobin and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Korean Adults
Authors: Kim Jeonghyeon , Lee Inhwan , Song Munku , Kang Hyunsik
Published: November 2022

Background: Little is known regarding how anemia and handgrip strength influence the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older populations. This population-based study aimed to examine whether handgrip strength mediates the association between anemia and HRQoL in a representative sample of 6892 Korean adults aged ≥ 65 years (3753 females). Methods: HRQoL was assessed with the EuroQol-5 dimension. Anemia was defined according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, and handgrip strength was measured with a digital hand dynamometer. Results: Individuals with anemia were at increased risk for a lower HRQoL (odds ratio, OR = 1.285, p = 0.002) even after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, income, marital status, education, physical activity, and multimorbidity compared with individuals without anemia (OR = 1). Individuals with weak handgrip strength were also at increased risk for a lower HRQoL (OR = 1.429, p < 0.001) even after adjustment for all the covariates compared with individuals with normal handgrip strength (OR = 1). Mediation analysis with a bootstrapping procedure showed that relative handgrip strength mediated the relationship between hemoglobin and HRQoL (95% confidence interval, CI 0.0192 to 0.0289) even after adjustment for all covariates, with 42.0% of the total effect of hemoglobin on HRQoL explained. Conclusions: The current findings suggest that the impact of anemia on HRQoL is partially mediated by weak handgrip strength, implying the clinical importance of having or maintaining adequate hemoglobin and handgrip strength via healthy lifestyle choices to maintain a high HRQoL later in life.
Overlap of Physical, Cognitive, and Social Frailty Affects Ikigai in Community-Dwelling Japanese Older Adults
Authors: Tsujishita Soma , Nagamatsu Masaki , Sanada Kiyoshi
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to investigate whether the overlap of physical, cognitive, and social frailty affects Ikigai in community-dwelling Japanese older adults. Participants were 116 community-dwelling older adult Japanese men and women. Associations of physical, cognitive, and social frailty with falls, daily living assessment, and Ikigai were analyzed by group comparisons and multivariate analyses. Physical, cognitive, and social frailty were associated with the risk of falls and Ikigai. An increase in the number of frailty category overlaps was associated with an increased risk of falls and decrease in Ikigai. Multivariate analyses adjusted for confounding factors showed that physical and cognitive frailty were related to Ikigai. In conclusion Two or more overlapping numbers of physical, cognitive, and social frailty had adverse effects on Ikigai in community-dwelling Japanese older adults.
A Theory of Planned Behavior-Informed Evaluation of Growers’ Intent to Use Automated Nursery Technologies
Authors: Warner Laura A. , Rihn Alicia L. , Fulcher Amy , LeBude Anthony V. , Schexnayder Susan , Joshi Arati
Published: November 2022

Labor scarcity and rising production costs due to increasing labor wages and benefits are key concerns among nursery growers. Automated nursery technologies are a means to address labor challenges, but they are not widely adopted. The research objective was to use the Theory of Planned Behavior to evaluate nursery growers’ intention of using automated technologies in their operations to support future educational initiatives. Using a mixed-mode survey, four technology clusters, or a grouping of connected ideas, were examined: Irrigation application, Plant transport, Plant handling, and Agrochemical application. Overall intent to adopt technologies within each cluster was neutral but slightly negative. Attitudes towards adopting automated nursery technologies and perceptions of others’ approval for adoption were positive, and perceived behavioral control and perceptions of others’ adoption were neutral. When used to predict likelihood of adoption through multiple linear regression models, there was variability in characteristics that predicted intent to adopt technologies within each cluster with attitude being the most consistent predictor across the clusters. There were both positive and negative relationships between the social norms variables and behavioral intent. Overall, social norms and attitudes appear to be among the most important characteristics in disseminating automated nursery technology adoption to address labor issues.
Study on the Impact of Climate Change on China’s Import Trade of Major Agricultural Products and Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Ding Chenchen , Xia Yong , Su Yang , Li Feng , Xiong Changjiang , Xu Jingwen
Published: November 2022

With global warming, China’s agricultural products are facing severe production conditions and a complex international trade situation. In order to clarify the relationship between climate change and China’s agricultural trade, this paper uses the GTAP model to explore the impact of climate change on China’s agricultural trade from the perspectives of agricultural production and supply, energy substitution and trade policy. The results show that: (1) From the overall effect, the production supply risk and energy substitution risk caused by climate change have a positive impact on China’s import trade, among which the energy substitution risk has brought about an import trade growth of 38.050%, the production supply risk has brought about an import trade growth of 12.635%, and the trade policy risk has a negative impact, bringing about an import trade decline of 12.589%. (2) Under the impact of production and supply risks caused by climate change, the import volume of different industrial sectors has increased by varying degrees, including livestock products (16.521%) > food crops (14.162%) > cash crops (7.220%). The increase in import trade mainly comes from the United States (10.731%), Canada (10.650%) and Australia (9.455%). (3) Under the impact of energy substitution risk caused by climate change, the increase in import trade was concentrated in food crops (48.144%) and livestock products (42.834%), mainly from the United States (57.098%), the European Union (55.014%) and Canada (53.508%). (4) Under the impact of trade policy risks caused by climate change, the import trade of different industrial sectors showed a downward trend, with cash crops (13.039%) > livestock products (12.588%) > cash crops (12.140%). The countries and regions with significant decline in import trade were ASEAN (−46.131%) and the United States (−28.028%). The trade deficit shifted to surplus, and the terms of trade were improved. Therefore, this paper suggests that we should deal with the impact of climate change on agricultural trade by developing “climate smart” agriculture, actively responding to low-carbon trade measures, and establishing an agricultural trade promotion mechanism to address the risk of climate change.
Trends and Socio-Demographic Differences of Cannabis Vaping in the USA and Canada
Authors: Lim Carmen C. W. , Chan Gary C. K. , Wadsworth Elle , Stjepanović Daniel , Chiu Vivian , Chung Jack Y. C. , Sun Tianze , Connor Jason , Leung Janni , Gartner Coral , Hall Wayne , Hammond David
Published: November 2022

Given the rise in cannabis vaping, it is important to highlight the heterogeneity in vaping different cannabis product because of the potential differences in their health risks. This study aims to estimate the trends and socio-demographic correlates of the use of various cannabis vaping products across jurisdiction with different legal status. Data from the 2018 (n = 27,169) and 2019 (n = 47,747) waves of the International Cannabis Policy Study (ICPS) were used. Respondents aged 16–65 completed web-based surveys. In 2019, proportions of past year vaping of cannabis oil, dried flower and concentrates in the overall sample were highest in U.S. jurisdictions where cannabis was legalized for non-medical use (17.4%, 6.0%, 4.9%), followed by U.S. jurisdiction where non-medical cannabis use is illegal (13.7%, 5.8%, 2.9%), and lowest in Canada (8.1%, 4.4%, 2.1%). Vaping dried flower decreased from 2019 to 2018 in U.S. legal jurisdictions and Canada, while vaping cannabis oil and concentrates increased in all jurisdictions (p < 0.001). The odds of vaping all forms of products were higher among younger respondents (16–55 years), males, respondents with some college education, and persons with low-risk perceptions on daily cannabis vaping. In both ICPS surveys (2018 and 2019), cannabis oil was the most frequently vaped products, followed by dried flower, and concentrates. Detailed measures of product forms for cannabis vaping should be considered in future surveys.
The Conceptual Development of a Multifunctional Stepladder for Older People and Caregivers
Authors: Gan Kah Wei , Ng Poh Kiat , Liew Kia Wai , Ng Yu Jin , Yeow Jian Ai
Published: November 2022

Stepladders are compact, foldable ladders with flat steps and a platform. Despite all the research and design efforts, there are still limitations in terms of the multifunctionality, usability and simplicity of stepladders and related variants. By combining ideas, features and functions from patent literature, existing products and scientific journals, this study aims to conceptualise a multifunctional stepladder for improved usability. Five concepts are created, which are screened and evaluated against a set of criteria to select the best concept for improved usability, divided into three categories: simplicity, effectiveness and efficiency. The result is a versatile invention that functions as a stepladder, walker, wheelchair and Pilates chair, suitable for older people and caregivers in nursing homes. It allows medical records or supplies to be retrieved from high places without the need for inappropriate aids. The invention can replace wheelchairs and walkers and converts into a Pilates chair to provide a mobile exercise option for older people. The concept offers older people flexibility and independence in terms of mobility and healthcare, while saving space in the nursing home. Further design studies, prototyping and testing are needed before this idea can go into production.
Protective Factors, Risk of Violence and Discrimination and Mental Health Indicators of Young LGB People
Authors: Aparicio-García Marta Evelia , Díaz-Ramiro Eva M. , Rubio-Valdehita Susana , López-Núñez M. Inmaculada , García-Nieto Isidro
Published: November 2022

Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people have more risk of suffering from violence and situations of discrimination than heterosexual people. The current study compares LGB people with heterosexual people in protective factors, violence, health and well-being factors. The sample comprises 609 Spanish people between 14 and 25 years old. We established a cross-sectional design. A survey including questions about sociodemographic information and protective, violence and health and well-being factors was designed ad hoc for this study. The results show that the LGB group (n = 342) is more at risk of verbal and physical violence and feels more isolated than the heterosexual participants (n = 267). In contrast, heterosexual participants report having more employment discrimination. No significant differences were found in social support or psychological health. These results are important to understand the state of social normalization and non-discrimination for LGB people in certain contexts in Spain, and its impact on psychological health.
Life-Course Persistent Antisocial Behavior and Accelerated Biological Aging in a Longitudinal Birth Cohort
Authors: Langevin Stephanie , Caspi Ashalom , Barnes J. C. , Brennan Grace , Poulton Richie , Purdy Suzanne C. , Ramrakha Sandhya , Tanksley Peter T. , Thorne Peter R. , Wilson Graham , Moffitt Terrie E.
Published: November 2022

Prior research shows that individuals who have exhibited antisocial behavior are in poorer health than their same-aged peers. A major driver of poor health is aging itself, yet research has not investigated relationships between offending trajectories and biological aging. We tested the hypothesis that individuals following a life-course persistent (LCP) antisocial trajectory show accelerated aging in midlife. Trajectories of antisocial behavior from age 7 to 26 years were studied in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a population-representative birth cohort (N = 1037). Signs of aging were assessed at age 45 years using previously validated measures including biomarkers, clinical tests, and self-reports. First, we tested whether the association between antisocial behavior trajectories and midlife signs of faster aging represented a decline from initial childhood health. We then tested whether decline was attributable to tobacco smoking, antipsychotic medication use, debilitating illnesses in adulthood, adverse exposures in childhood (maltreatment, socioeconomic disadvantage) and adulthood (incarceration), and to childhood self-control difficulties. Study members with a history of antisocial behavior had a significantly faster pace of biological aging by midlife, and this was most evident among individuals following the LCP trajectory (β, 0.22, 95%CI, 0.14, 0.28, p ≤ 0.001). This amounted to 4.3 extra years of biological aging between ages 25–45 years for Study members following the LCP trajectory compared to low-antisocial trajectory individuals. LCP offenders also experienced more midlife difficulties with hearing (β, −0.14, 95%CI, −0.21, −0.08, p ≤ 0.001), balance (β, −0.13, 95%CI, −0.18, −0.06, p ≤ 0.001), gait speed (β, −0.18, 95%CI, −0.24, −0.10, p ≤ 0.001), and cognitive functioning (β, −0.25, 95%CI, −0.31, −0.18, p ≤ 0.001). Associations represented a decline from childhood health. Associations persisted after controlling individually for tobacco smoking, antipsychotic medication use, midlife illnesses, maltreatment, socioeconomic status, incarceration, and childhood self-control difficulties. However, the cumulative effect of these lifestyle characteristics together explained why LCP offenders have a faster Pace of Aging than their peers. While older adults typically age-out of crime, LCP offenders will likely age-into the healthcare system earlier than their chronologically same-aged peers. Preventing young people from offending is likely to have substantial benefits for health, and people engaging in a LCP trajectory of antisocial behaviors might be the most in need of health promotion programs. We offer prevention and intervention strategies to reduce the financial burden of offenders on healthcare systems and improve their wellbeing.
Is There an Association between Being a Victim of Physical Violence by Intimate Partner and Binge Drinking in Men and Women? Secondary Analysis of a National Study, Peru 2020
Authors: Campoverde Francesca , de las Casas Micaela , Blitchtein-Winicki Dora
Published: November 2022

The relationship between being a victim of physical violence by an intimate partner and binge drinking (BD) is a poorly explored line of research, especially in men. To determine the association between being a victim of physical violence by an intimate partner and BD in men and women in Peru in 2020, a secondary analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using the Demographic Health Survey. BD was categorized according to the Center of Disease Control definition for men and women, based on the type and amount of alcoholic beverage ingested. Physical violence was based the report of being hit with any part of the body or an object, by their intimate partner. To identify the association, a multivariable general linear model of the family and link log Poisson was used. The results were presented as prevalence ratios (PRs). In the adjusted models stratified by sex, a 90% greater likelihood of BD was found in male victims and an 80% higher probability among female victims (PRa 1.9, 95%CI 1.3;2.7, p < 0.001 vs. PRa 1.8, CI95% 1.1; 2.8, p = 0.013, respectively). An association was found between physical violence by an intimate partner and BD in the Peruvian population older than 15 years, in both men and women.
Coping with Public and Private Face-to-Face and Cyber Victimization among Adolescents in Six Countries: Roles of Severity and Country
Authors: Wright Michelle F. , Wachs Sebastian , Yanagida Takuya , Ševčíková Anna , Dědková Lenka , Bayraktar Fatih , Aoyama Ikuko , Kamble Shanmukh V. , Macháčková Hana , Li Zheng , Soudi Shruti , Lei Li , Shu Chang
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the role of medium (face-to-face, cyber) and publicity (public, private) in adolescents’ perceptions of severity and coping strategies (i.e., avoidant, ignoring, helplessness, social support seeking, retaliation) for victimization, while accounting for gender and cultural values. There were 3432 adolescents (ages 11–15, 49% girls) in this study; they were from China, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, India, Japan, and the United States. Adolescents completed questionnaires on individualism and collectivism, and ratings of coping strategies and severity for public face-to-face victimization, private face-to-face victimization, public cyber victimization, and private cyber victimization. Findings revealed similarities in adolescents’ coping strategies based on perceptions of severity, publicity, and medium for some coping strategies (i.e., social support seeking, retaliation) but differential associations for other coping strategies (i.e., avoidance, helplessness, ignoring). The results of this study are important for prevention and intervention efforts because they underscore the importance of teaching effective coping strategies to adolescents, and to consider how perceptions of severity, publicity, and medium might influence the implementation of these coping strategies.
Towards Co-Design in Delivering Assistive Technology Interventions: Reconsidering Roles for Consumers, Allied Health Practitioners, and the Support Workforce
Authors: Layton Natasha , O’Connor Jackie , Fitzpatrick Amy , Carey Sharon
Published: November 2022

A complexity of factors, from health and technology innovations to policy redesign to achieve consumer-directed care, are impacting traditional roles for Australian allied health practitioners (AHPs). This pilot study considers roles for AHPs in relation to assistive technology (AT) interventions. Articulating ‘who does what’ may serve a number of purposes including de-professionalization of the discourse; better utilization of support networks and workforces; and alignment with contemporary policy. Yet, a suitable framework to assist with collaborative AT implementation between relevant stakeholders was not identified within the existing literature. This research aimed to develop and pilot an AT collaboration tool which enables AHPs, consumers, their support networks and the support workforce, to navigate policy redesign toward ethical consumer-directed implementation of AT interventions. An AT collaboration tool was developed based upon practice-based knowledge, relevant regulatory and practice evidence and identifies relevant stakeholders, AT service steps and roles, and quality indicators to support competent practice. The tool was piloted in four separate and diverse practice analyses of AT interventions (custom prosthetics, home enteral nutrition, communication devices, and vehicle modifications) considering four allied health professions (prosthetics and orthotics, dietetics, speech pathology, occupational therapy). Pilot testing of the tool supports the feasibility of re-framing AT provision using competency-based and risk-informed approaches and enabling more inclusive roles for consumers and the support workforce. Further testing of the tool is indicated, followed by strategic actions for uptake by individuals, professions and policymakers. The AT collaboration tool has potential to enable AHPs to fulfil ethical obligations for consumer-centered practice, and to facilitate consumer choice, both in Australia and internationally.
Do Deep Regional Trade Agreements Improve Residents’ Health? A Cross-Country Study
Authors: Liu Zhizhong , Chen Qianying , Liu Guangyue , Han Xu
Published: November 2022

The development trend of deepening regional trade agreements (RTAs) is becoming more prominent, traditional RTAs based on border terms continue to shift to deep RTAs based on the high level of border terms and a series of post-border terms, but the relationship between deep RTAs and residents’ health has not drawn much attention. Based on Gallup World Poll data from 2009 to 2017 covering 786,040 respondents in 143 countries, this study empirically examined the impact of deep RTAs on the health of residents as well as its influence mechanisms by using the combination of fixed effects and stepwise regression. The results show that deep RTAs have a significantly positive impact on residents’ health, which means that an increase in the depth of RTAs can improve residents’ health. However, the impact of deep RTAs on residents’ health is heterogeneous, caused by the different terms of RTAs, the different income levels of different countries, and the different types of residents. Meanwhile, deep RTAs mainly improve the health of residents through employment effects and environmental effects. This study highlights the importance of deep RTAs for improving the health of residents and provides new ideas for governments to assist in the formulation of policies that can effectively improve their residents’ health.
A Depression-Risk Mental Pattern Identified by Hidden Markov Model in Undergraduates
Authors: Jiang Xiaowei , Chen Yanan , Ao Na , Xiao Yang , Du Feng
Published: November 2022

Few studies have examined depression risk screening approaches. Universal depression screening in youth typically focuses on directly measuring the current distress and impairment by several kinds of depression rating scales. However, as many people have stigmatizing attitudes to individuals with depression, youths with depression were in fear of being known, and embarrassment held them back from reporting their depression symptoms. Thus, the present study aimed to identify the best, most easy access screening approach for indirectly predicting depression risks in undergraduates. Here, the depression score was ranked and viewed as the different stages in the development of depression; then, we used a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) approach to identify depression risks. Participants included 1247 undergraduates (female = 720, mean age = 19.86 years (std =1.31), from 17 to 25) who independently completed inventories for depressive symptoms, emotion regulation, subjective well-being (life satisfaction, negative and positive affect), and coping styles (positive and negative). Our findings indicated that the risk pattern (state 1) and the health pattern (state 2) showed distinct different rating results in emotional regulation, subjective well-being, and coping style. Screening for prospective risk of depression can be better accomplished by HMM incorporating subjective well-being, emotion regulation, and coping style. This study discussed the implications for future research and evidence-based decision-making for depression screening initiatives.