bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Regulation, Greenwashing Behaviour, and Green Governance of High-Pollution Enterprises in China
Authors: Zhang Tingfa , Qin Huaying , Xu Weishuang
Published: October 2022

This study analyses the relationship between greenwashing behaviour, a lack of government supervision, and imperfect green certification mechanisms in China. To improve green governance and greenwashing governance in light of rent-seeking behaviour between high-pollution enterprises and third-party green certification institutions (GCIs), we construct a tripartite game model for the green governance system using an evolutionary game and analyse the interaction and evolutionary trajectory between the three parties. Our results indicate that increasing local government incentives and penalties not only facilitate strengthened green governance by high-pollution enterprises that do not greenwash but also help third-party GCIs to decline to engage in rent-seeking. However, increased incentives lead to relaxed governmental supervision. In addition, the government’s incentives and penalties only meet conditions that each agent’s total incentives and penalties exceed its speculative gain, and green governance systems can be effectively prevented from resulting in unsatisfactory and unstable strategies. Moreover, the accountability that higher levels of government have to local governments effectively enables high-pollution enterprises’ refusal to greenwash and third-party GCIs’ refusal to engage in rent-seeking. Our results counsel further research on environmental regulation, green governance, and enterprises’ greenwashing, with theoretical and practical applications for both policymakers and enterprises.
Impact of Physical Activity of Pregnant Women on Obstetric Outcomes
Authors: Goławski Ksawery , Wojtyła Cezary
Published: October 2022

Regular and well-planned physical activity (PA) has a positive impact on pregnancy outcomes. In this study, we determine the impact of the PA of pregnant women on the occurrence of certain pregnancy outcomes, such as type of labor, duration of pregnancy, and birthweight. The study is based on the results of a Polish national survey performed between 2011 and 2017 on a group of 9170 women. The Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) was used to estimate the PA of pregnant women. Light intensity PA accounts for the largest proportion of women’s total energy expenditure. Increase in women’s total energy expenditure was associated with an increase in the birthweight of a child. A similar relationship was observed in the case of light and moderate PA. Vaginal birth was more common among women with higher total energy expenditure. Mothers of preterm children showed lower energy expenditure for each type of PA compared to term pregnancies. There was also a correlation between moderate and vigorous PA and low birthweight. Our study indicates that PA undertaken by pregnant women has a positive impact on pregnancy outcomes.
Biodiversity in Urban Green Space: A Bibliometric Review on the Current Research Field and Its Prospects
Authors: Zhao Xuancheng , Li Fengshi , Yan Yongzhi , Zhang Qing
Published: October 2022

Understanding the development process of urban green space and biodiversity conservation strategies in urban green space is vital for sustainable urban development. However, a systematic review of the urban green space biodiversity research is still lacking. We have retrieved 3806 articles in WOS core journals and carried out the bibliometrics analysis through the three related search terms: urban, green space, and biodiversity. We found that: (1) the year 2009 was a changing point, and the number of articles have increased exponentially since 2009. The United States, China, Europe, and Australia are closely linked, and four research centers have formed; (2) all studies can be classified into three research themes: “Pattern of Urban Green Biodiversity”, “Ecological Function of Urban Green Biodiversity”, and “Sustainability of Urban Green Biodiversity”; (3) based on the evolution of keywords, this field is divided into the budding stage (1998–2012) and the development stage (2012–2021). The keywords in the budding stage focus on the diversity of different species, and the keywords in the development stage focus on the ecosystem services, biodiversity protection, and residents’ satisfaction; (4) the future research focus may be in three aspects: studies on green space in the less urbanized area and urban-rural ecotone, the regulation mechanism and cultural services of urban green space, and the rational layout and management of urban green space. This study hopes to provide a reference for future research on urban green space biodiversity and promote the sustainable development of urban green space.
Dietary Isorhamnetin Intake Is Inversely Associated with Coronary Artery Disease Occurrence in Polish Adults
Authors: Popiolek-Kalisz Joanna , Fornal Emilia
Published: October 2022

The role of antioxidative agents in coronary artery disease (CAD) has been investigated, but the analysis of specific flavonols intake in Polish adults requires validated tools. The aim of this study was to estimate the dietary intake of flavonols in CAD patients by creating a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) dedicated for this purpose in Polish adults. The FFQ included 140 products from 12 food groups. The study involved 103 adult respondents (43 CAD patients and 60 healthy controls). Mean daily intakes of total flavonols, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin and isorhamnetin were calculated as absolute values and quartiles. Mean daily intakes of 12 main food categories and 27 subcategories were calculated as portions and quartiles. The validity test revealed high correlation for total flavonols, kaempferol, myricetin and isorhamnetin and moderate for quercetin. In the reproducibility analysis, the correlation was high for total flavonols, quercetin, kaempferol and myricetin, moderate for isorhamnetin and high for all 12 categories and 25 out of 27 subcategories of the tested food groups. The application of the FFQ in healthy adults and CAD patients revealed that dietary intakes of total flavonols and proportional intakes of kaempferol and isorhamnetin in Polish adults and CAD patients are higher than in most other European countries, while the proportional intakes of quercetin and myricetin are lower than in most European countries. The comparison between CAD patients and the healthy controls revealed significant differences in dietary isorhamnetin intake (p = 0.002). The results suggest that dietary isorhamnetin could have a potential role in CAD prevention.
Characteristics and Residual Health Risk of Organochlorine Pesticides in Fresh Vegetables in the Suburb of Changchun, Northeast China
Authors: Wang Nan , Cui Zhengwu , Wang Yang , Zhang Jingjing
Published: October 2022

In this study, eleven organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in fresh vegetables in the Changchun suburb were investigated, and their potential health risks were evaluated. The average concentrations of OCPs in edible parts of vegetables were found in the following descending order: Σhexachlorocyclohexanes (ΣHCHs) (6.60 µg·kg−1) > Σdichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (ΣDDTs) (5.82 µg·kg−1) > ΣChlordanes (2.37 µg·kg−1) > heptachlor (0.29 µg·kg−1). Moreover, OCPs in different types of vegetables exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs), and the exceeding rates in various vegetables decreased in the following order: leafy vegetables (19.12%) > root vegetables (18.75%) > fruit vegetables (3.85%). The proportions of OCPs exceeding MRL in different vegetables were found in the following descending order: Welsh onion (22.50%) > radish (18.75%) > Chinese cabbage (14.29%) > pepper (6.90%) > cucumber (3.23%) > eggplant (2.94%) > tomato (2.78%). The sources’ identification results showed that DDTs in vegetables came mainly from newly imported technical DDTs and dicofol, while HCHs originated mainly from lindane. For both adults and children, the average target hazard quotients (avg. THQ) were all less than 1, and the average hazard index (avg. HI) values were 0.043 and 0.036, respectively. There were no significant health risks associated with OCP exposure for the inhabitants of the study area.
Exome Sequencing in an ADSHE Family: VUS Identification and Limits
Authors: Villa Chiara , Arrigoni Federica , Rivellini Eleonora , Lavitrano Marialuisa , De Gioia Luca , Ferini-Strambi Luigi , Combi Romina
Published: October 2022

Autosomal dominant sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (ADSHE) is the familial form of a focal epilepsy characterized by hyperkinetic focal seizures, mainly arising during non-rapid eye movements (NREM) sleep. Mutations associated with ADSHE account for a small proportion of the genetically determined cases, suggesting the existence of other disease-causing genes. Here, we reported the results obtained by performing trio-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) in an Italian family showing ADSHE and investigated the structural impact of putative variants by in silico modeling analysis. We identified a p.(Trp276Gly) variant in MOXD1 gene encoding the monooxigenase DBH like 1 protein, cosegregating with the disease and annotated as VUS under the ACMG recommendations. Structural bioinformatic analysis predicted a high destabilizing effect of this variant, due to the loss of important hydrophilic bonds and an expansion of cavity volume in the protein hydrophobic core. Although our data support a functional effect of the p.(Trp276Gly) variant, we highlight the need to identify additional families carrying MOXD1 mutations or functional analyses in suitable models to clarify its role in ADSHE pathogenesis. Moreover, we discuss the importance of VUS reporting due to the low rate of pathogenic variant identification by NGS in epilepsy and for future reinterpretation studies.
Understanding Health Information Behaviors of Migrant Domestic Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Oktavianus Jeffry , Sun Yanqing , Lu Fangcao
Published: October 2022

Migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Hong Kong remain vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic. Obtaining accurate information is essential for MDWs as it helps them understand their predicament and protect themselves. Therefore, this study delves into the MDWs’ health literacy by scrutinizing how they acquire, verify, and respond to pandemic-related information. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 Indonesian MDWs, recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. The data were examined using a constant comparative approach in grounded theory. The findings reveal that the participants engaged in information seeking and scanning to obtain health crisis information, mainly through their friends, family members, and community organizations. The participants also verified the information using their judgment or by consulting other actors, such as local organizations and media outlets. The messages they obtained informed the means to protect themselves, which motivated them to adopt preventive measures. However, some also engaged in maladaptive coping, such as taking ineffective preventive actions. The participants also disseminated health crisis information throughout their social circle. This study concluded that MDWs performed four health information behaviors during the pandemic, namely information acquisition, authentication, sharing, and adoption of preventive measures. However, their information practices may change at different stages of the pandemic.
Tools to Measure Health Literacy among Adult Hispanic Populations with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Standage-Beier Carrie S. , Ziller Shelby G. , Bakhshi Bahar , Parra Oscar D. , Mandarino Lawrence J. , Kohler Lindsay N. , Coletta Dawn K.
Published: October 2022

Health literacy (HL) is associated with short- and long-term health outcomes, and this is particularly relevant in Hispanics, who are disproportionally affected by lower HL. Hispanics have become the largest minority population in the United States. Also, Hispanics experience higher burdens of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) than non-Hispanic whites. Thus, effectively choosing culturally appropriate validated instruments that measure a marker found in health assessments should be a serious consideration. Using a systemized approach, we identified and reviewed 33 publications and found eight different HL and numeracy (separate or combined) instruments. We assessed the study designs and instrument structures to determine how HL was measured across these studies. We categorized the results into direct and indirect measurements of HL. The Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) family of HL instruments was favored for direct measures of HL, while the Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS) instrument was favored for indirect measures. Despite identified trends in instruments used, more comprehensive measurement tools have been developed but not validated in Hispanic populations. In conclusion, further validation of more comprehensive HL instruments in adult Hispanic populations with T2DM could better assess HL levels and improve health promotion efforts.
Current Perspectives of Cross-Country Mountain Biking: Physiological and Mechanical Aspects, Evolution of Bikes, Accidents and Injuries
Authors: Arriel Rhaí André , Souza Hiago L. R. , Sasaki Jeffer Eidi , Marocolo Moacir
Published: October 2022

Mountain biking (MTB) is a cycling modality performed on a variety of unpaved terrain. Although the cross-country Olympic race is the most popular cross-country (XC) format, other XC events have gained increased attention. XC-MTB has repeatedly modified its rules and race format. Moreover, bikes have been modified throughout the years in order to improve riding performance. Therefore, the aim of this review was to present the most relevant studies and discuss the main results on the XC-MTB. Limited evidence on the topic suggests that the XC-MTB events present a variation in exercise intensity, demanding cardiovascular fitness and high power output. Nonetheless, these responses and demands seem to change according to each event. The characteristics of the cyclists differ according to the performance level, suggesting that these parameters may be important to achieve superior performance in XC-MTB. Moreover, factors such as pacing and ability to perform technical sections of the circuit might influence general performance. Bicycles equipped with front and rear suspension (i.e., full suspension) and 29″ wheels have been shown to be effective on the XC circuit. Lastly, strategies such as protective equipment, bike fit, resistance training and accident prevention measures can reduce the severity and the number of injuries.
Limited Role of Rhamnolipids on Cadmium Resistance for an Endogenous-Secretion Bacterium
Authors: Xing Sufang , Yan Zhen , Song Chao , Tian Huifang , Wang Shuguang
Published: October 2022

Rhamnolipids, a type of biosurfactant, represent a potential strategy for both enhancing organismic resistance and in situ remediation of heavy metals contaminations. In-depth study of the mechanism of rhamnolipids synthesis in response to heavy metals stress, is indispensable for a wide use of biosurfactant-secreting microbes in bioremediation. In this study, we employed the wild-type and the rhlAB deficient strain (ΔrhlAB) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a prototypal rhamnolipids-producing soil microorganism, to investigate its responses to cadmium resistance based on its physicochemical, and physiological properties. Compared with the wild-type strain, the ΔrhlAB were more sensitive to Cd-stress at low Cd concentration (<50 mg/L), whereas there was little difference in sensitivity at higher Cd concentrations, as shown by spot titers and cell viability assays. Secreted rhamnolipids reduced intracellular Cd2+ accumulation to alleviate Cd2+ stress, whereas endogenous rhamnolipids played a limited role in alleviating Cd2+ stress. Synthesized rhamnolipids exhibited a higher critical micelle concentration (CMC) (674.1 mg/L) and lower emulsification index (4.7%) under high Cd-stress, while these parameters showed no obvious changes. High Cd-stress resulted in high hydrophilic wild-type bacterial surface and lower bioremediation ability. This study could advance a deeper understanding of the mechanism of cadmium resistance and provide a theoretical foundation for the application of biosurfactant and biosurfactant-secreted bacterium in contaminant bioremediation.
Rural Farmers’ Cognition and Climate Change Adaptation Impact on Cash Crop Productivity: Evidence from a Recent Study
Authors: Khan Nawab , Ma Jiliang , Kassem Hazem S. , Kazim Rizwan , Ray Ram L. , Ihtisham Muhammad , Zhang Shemei
Published: October 2022

The world faces a once-in-a-century transformation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adversely affecting farmers’ employment, production practices, and livelihood resilience. Meanwhile, climate change (CC) is a crucial issue limiting agricultural production worldwide. Farmers’ lives, severely affected by extreme weather conditions, are resulting in the reduced production of major economic crops. The CC has drastically influenced the major agricultural sectors of Pakistan, leading to a significant decline in farmers’ living standards and the overall economy. Climate-smart and eco-friendly agricultural practices can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and ameliorate agricultural productivity under extreme environmental conditions. This paper highlights farmers’ autonomous CC adaptation strategies and their influence on cash crop (maize for this study) yield under prevailing circumstances. The current study used a simultaneous equation model to examine the different adaptation impacts on adapters and non-adapters. The survey results of 498 maize farmers in rural Pakistan revealed that growers were aware of the recent CC and had taken adequate adaptive measures to acclimatize to CC. Farmers’ arable land area, awareness level, and information accessibility to CC are the most crucial factors that impart a significant role in their adaptation judgments. However, most growers have inadequate adaptation strategies, including improved irrigation and the utilization of extensive fertilizers and pesticides. Using a simultaneous equation model of endogenous switching regression, the study found that farmers not adapted to CC were negatively affecting maize productivity. Therefore, this study suggests that policymakers pay attention to the countermeasures farmers have not taken to mitigate the impact of CC. In addition, policymakers should deliver appropriate adaptation strategies to assist growers in coping with climate-related natural hazards and ensure farmers’ livelihood security, rural revitalization, and sustainable agricultural development.
Barriers to Mental Health Service Use among Palestinian-Arab Women in Israel: Psychological Distress as Moderator
Authors: Abo-Rass Fareeda , Abu-Kaf Sarah , Nakash Ora
Published: October 2022

Background: Many studies indicate that ethnic minority women, including women from the disadvantaged Palestinian-Arab minority in Israel, experience higher rates of psychological distress but are less likely to use mental health services. This study examined psychological distress and its role as a moderator in the relationship between mental health service use and stigma-related, attitudinal, and instrumental barriers. Method: Cross-sectional study of 146 Palestinian-Arab women who completed measures of psychological distress, mental health service use, the Barriers to Care Evaluation scale, and sociodemographic characteristics. Results: Participants who did not utilize mental health services reported higher levels of all barrier types compared to participants who reported previous use, but lower levels of psychological distress. Psychological distress was a significant moderator only in the relationship between attitudinal barriers and mental health service use. Conclusions: This study highlights the role of psychological distress in the relationship between barriers to and utilization of mental health services, helping professionals and policymakers increase mental health service use among Palestinian-Arab women in Israel and other vulnerable women elsewhere.
Depressive, Anxious, and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Related to Violence during the COVID-19 Pandemic, by Sex, COVID-19 Status, and Intervention-Seeking Conditions among the General Population
Authors: Morales Chainé Silvia , Robles García Rebeca , Bosch Alejandro , Treviño Santa Cruz Claudia Lydia
Published: October 2022

Worldwide, three out of four of the general population have reported experiencing violence. Governments should address solutions to violence and its effects on mental health. The study aimed to determine depressive, anxious, and posttraumatic stress symptoms related to the violence experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in the general population. The study was conducted with 18,449 Mexicans of 33 years (SD = 11.00, range = 18–59), with 12,188 (66.10%) being women, 3559 (19.29%) having COVID-19, 2706 (14.67%) seeking psychological care, and 5712 (30.96%) experiencing violence. Subjects completed the Major Depressive Episode (MDE) Checklist, Generalized Anxiety (GA) Scale, and the Posttraumatic Stress (PTS) Checklists (PCL-5) programmed in a WebApp application. We assessed the dimensionality of the scales through the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), the measurement invariance, and a structural equation model (SEM). In the total sample, 28.10% fulfilled the MDE criteria, and 42.30% had high levels of GA. In the sample of those experiencing violence, 48.40% met the MDE criteria, 61.70% had high GA symptoms, and 50% met the criteria for a PTS disorder. Experiencing violence was associated with GA and severe PTS symptoms when the discomfort had bothered them for over a month since the onset of these symptoms. Subjects who had experienced violence and had mental health symptoms seemed ready for treatment. Further studies will evaluate the effect of remote psychological care to help reduce the treatment gap.
Grafting of R4N+-Bearing Organosilane on Kaolinite, Montmorillonite, and Zeolite for Simultaneous Adsorption of Ammonium and Nitrate
Authors: Peng Wang , Cui Zhanpeng , Fu Hongyan , Cao Hongkai , Chen Ming , Zhang Dachao , Luo Wuhui , Ren Sili
Published: October 2022

Modification of aluminosilicate minerals using a R4N+-bearing organic modifier, through the formation of covalent bonds, is an applicable way to eliminate the modifier release and to maintain the ability to remove cationic pollutants. In this study, trimethyl [3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ammonium chloride (TM) and/or dimethyl octadecyl [3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ammonium chloride (DMO) were used to graft three aluminosilicate minerals, including calcined kaolinite (Kaol), montmorillonite (Mt), and zeolite (Zeol), and the obtained composites were deployed to assess their performance in regard to ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) adsorption. Grafting of TM and/or DMO had little influence on the crystal structures of Kaol and Zeol, but it increased the interlayer distance of Mt due to the intercalation. Compared to Kaol and Zeol, Mt had a substantially greater grafting concentration of organosilane. For Mt, the highest amount of loaded organosilane was observed when TM and DMO were used simultaneously, whereas for Kaol and Zeol, this occurred when only DMO was employed. 29Si-NMR spectra revealed that TM and/or DMO were covalently bonded on Mt. As opposed to NO3−, the amount of adsorbed NH4+ was reduced after TM and/or DMO grafting while having little effect on the adsorption rate. For the grafted Kaol and Zeol, the adsorption of NH4+ and NO3− was non-interfering. This is different from the grafted Mt where NH4+ uptake was aided by the presence of NO3−. The higher concentration of DMO accounted for the larger NO3− uptake, which was accompanied by improved affinity. The results provide a reference for grafting aluminosilicate minerals and designing efficient adsorbents for the co-adsorption of NH4+ and NO3−.
Development of an mHealth Platform for Adolescent Obesity Prevention: User-Centered Design Approach
Authors: Reis Catarina I. , Pernencar Cláudia , Carvalho Marta , Gaspar Pedro , Martinho Ricardo , Frontini Roberta , Alves Rodrigo , Sousa Pedro
Published: October 2022

Obesity is a chronic condition that influences the quality of life of patients and families while increasing the economic burden for the world population. Multidisciplinary prevention programs are crucial to address it, allowing an early introduction of healthy behaviors into daily habits. Mobile health interventions provide adequate support for these programs, especially considering the gamification techniques used to promote users’ engagement. TeenPower is a multidisciplinary mHealth intervention program conducted in Portugal during 2018 to empower adolescents, promoting healthy behaviors while preventing obesity. An agile software development process was applied to the development of the digital platform that holds a web-based application and a mobile application. We also propose a model for future developments based on the user-centered design approach adopted for this development and the assessment conducted in each phase. The user-centered design approach model proposed has three distinct phases: (1) design study; (2) pre-production usability tests; and (3) post-production data. Phase 1 allowed us to obtain the high-fidelity version of the graphical user interfaces (n = 5). Phase 2 showed a task completion success rate of 100% (n = 5). Phase 3 was derived from statistical analysis of the usage of the platform by real end users (n = 90). We achieved an average retention rate of 35% (31 out of 90 participants). Each technique has provided input for the continuous design and improvement of the platform. This allowed the creation of a tailored platform that could meet users’ expectations. Nevertheless, the retention rate decreased significantly over a short period of time, revealing the need for further work in the improvement of the gamification experience.
Impact of Environmental Regulations on Export Trade—Empirical Analysis Based on Zhejiang Province
Authors: Huang Juan , Wu Ziyi
Published: October 2022

There is a close connection between export trade and environmental regulations. How to realize the green development of export trade under the constraint of environmental regulation policy is a controversial topic in both theoretical research and practice. Considering the leading role of Zhejiang export trade in China, based on the extended gravity model, this paper attempts to explore the impact of environmental regulations on export trade using the panel data of Zhejiang Province together with that of 18 major “Belt and Road” trading countries (regions) from 2004 to 2016. It provides a theoretical basis for promoting the coordinated development of environmental protection and export trade. This not only has theoretical and practical significance for various regions in China but also for other countries and regions in the world when formulating environmental regulation standards and implementation intensity. The empirical results show that there is a U-shaped relationship between environmental regulations and the development of export trade; namely, the former suppresses the latter before promotion happens. Specifically, environmental regulation could increase the cost of export products and curb the development of export trade in the short term. On the other hand, it encourages enterprises to carry out technological innovation and improve efficiency and competitiveness, thus contributing to the development of export trade in the long term.
The Livelihood of Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners and Awareness of the Use of 3T Minerals in Rwanda—A Case Study in the Rutsiro District: A Qualitative Assessment
Authors: Macháček Jan , Schlossarek Martin , Lindagato Philemon
Published: October 2022

This article examines the impact of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) on livelihood in mining communities in Rwanda (Rutsiro) where wolframite and coltan are mined. The paper discusses the development of ASM and other entrepreneur activities, in particular agriculture. With ASM activities, there is environmental degradation on the one hand but also an improvement in the well-being of the local population on the other. The 3T (tin, tungsten, tantalum) minerals extracted by ASM are used in the electronics industry for products such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, which are mainly consumed in the developed world. Based on questionnaires and structured research with miners, it was determined how ASM affects their lives, or whether there is a deterioration or improvement in their well-being. The research builds on previous field research in Rwanda. Because of mining, communities in the mining areas have access to health care, they can pay tuition fees, insurance, etc. On the other hand, the lives of miners are endangered by respiratory diseases, accidents in mines, landslides in mining areas, and other negative environmental impacts. The extraction of these minerals, however, may lead to a worse quality of life for the miners responsible for the extraction in developing countries. This different view is also illustrated by the fact that miners themselves often do not know what 3T minerals are used for. ASM benefits miners from an economic perspective but may worsen their quality of life due to unsuitable working conditions. This study covers a broader understanding of socioeconomic impacts of ASM and tries to point out the lack of awareness about the mining of minerals important for the daily use of modern technologies. This article would like to contribute to the larger debate about the lack of awareness of the origin of 3T minerals.
Prevalence and Socioeconomic Correlates of Adult Obesity in Europe: The Feel4Diabetes Study
Authors: Diamantis Dimitrios V. , Karatzi Kalliopi , Kantaras Paris , Liatis Stavros , Iotova Violeta , Bazdraska Yulia , Tankova Tsvetalina , Cardon Greet , Wikström Katja , Rurik Imre , Antal Emese , Ayala-Marín Alelí M. , Legarre Natalia Giménez , Makrilakis Konstantinos , Manios Yannis
Published: October 2022

To effectively tackle obesity, it is necessary to identify all specific socioeconomic factors which contribute to its development. We aimed to highlight the prevalence of adult overweight/obesity in European countries and investigate the association of various socioeconomic factors and their accumulative effect on overweight/obesity status. Cross-sectional data from the Feel4Diabetes study for 24,562 adults residing in low socioeconomic areas were collected, representing Belgium, Finland, Greece, Spain, Bulgaria, and Hungary. Socioeconomic Burden Score (SEBS) was created, accounting for unemployment, financial insecurity, and education ≤ 12 years. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance and logistic regression. In total, 19,063 adults with complete data were included (34.5% overweight and 15.8% obese). The highest overweight/obesity rates occurred in Greece (37.5%/17.8%) and Hungary (35.4%/19.7%). After adjusting for confounders, age of <45 years and female sex were inversely associated with overweight/obesity, while low educational level (≤12 years), unemployment, and financial insecurity were positively associated. The increase in SEBS (clustering of socioeconomic disadvantages) was associated with increased overweight/obesity likelihood. This association of SEBS scores with overweight/obesity was evident for males and females across all examined countries, excluding males in low-income countries (Bulgaria and Hungary), where the highest SEBS score was inversely associated with overweight/obesity. The clustering burden of socioeconomic disadvantages on overweight/obesity was found to be influenced by the countries’ economic state and sex.
Family-Friendly Policies: Extrapolating A Pathway towards Better Work Attitudes and Work Behaviors in Hong Kong
Authors: Vyas Lina , Cheung Francis , Ngo Hang-Yue , Chou Kee-Lee
Published: October 2022

The need for family-friendly policies to balance work and life demands is growing. Many studies have addressed how family-friendly policies relate to a variety of employees’ work attitudes and behavioral outcomes, but not how they (positively or negatively) affect them, especially the affective components of family-friendly policies that provide “felt” support to an employee. To fill this gap, this study adopts a moderated mediating mechanism to analyze how affective components of family-friendly policies impact employees’ attitudes and behaviors through signaling and social exchange theory. We examined how this impact is mediated by factors such as work–life conflict, perceived organizational support, and control over working hours, as well as whether having a supportive supervisor moderates the mediated effect through further limiting the degree of work–life conflict or strengthening control over working hours. Data were collected through a survey with 401 employee–supervisor dyads from organizations in Hong Kong. We found that family-friendly policies do not necessarily affect work attitude and behavior, but they work through the sequential mediators of having more control over working hours and perceived organizational support. The role of supportive supervisors is also significant, in that they are likely to be key in molding the organizational environment for the gradual provision and uptake of family-friendly policies. The results of this study contribute to the development of signaling and social exchange theory and have theoretical implications for supervisors regarding them utilizing their position to improve employee work attitudes and behavioral outcomes.
Exploring the Factors Associated with Mental Health Attitude in China: A Structural Topic Modeling Approach
Authors: Yin Ruheng , Tian Rui , Wu Jing , Gan Feng
Published: October 2022

Mental health attitude has huge impacts on the improvement of mental health. In response to the ongoing damage the COVID-19 pandemic caused to the mental health of the Chinese people, this study aims to explore the factors associated with mental health attitude in China. To this end, we extract the key topics in mental health-related microblogs on Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, using the structural topic modeling (STM) approach. An interaction term of sentiment polarity and time is put into the STM model to track the evolution of public sentiment towards the key topics over time. Through an in-depth analysis of 146,625 Weibo posts, this study captures 12 topics that are, in turn, classified into four factors as stigma (n = 54,559, 37.21%), mental health literacy (n = 32,199, 21.96%), public promotion (n = 30,747, 20.97%), and social support (n = 29,120, 19.86%). The results show that stigma is the primary factor inducing negative mental health attitudes in China as none of the topics related to this factor are considered positive. Mental health literacy, public promotion, and social support are the factors that could enhance positive attitudes towards mental health, since most of the topics related to these factors are identified as positive ones. The provision of tailored strategies for each of these factors could potentially improve the mental health attitudes of the Chinese people.
The Role of Physical Function in the Association between Physical Activity and Gait Speed in Older Adults: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Nascimento Marcelo de Maio , Gouveia Élvio Rúbio , Marques Adilson , Gouveia Bruna R. , Marconcin Priscila , França Cíntia , Ihle Andreas
Published: October 2022

Adequate levels of physical function (PF) are essential for vulnerable older adults to perform their daily tasks safely and remain autonomous. Our objective was to explore the mediating role of PF in the relationship between physical activity (PA) and gait speed (GS) in a large sample of older adults from the north of Brazil. This is a cross-sectional study that analyzed 697 older adults (mean age 70.35 ± 6.86 years) who participated in the project “Health, Lifestyle, and Physical Fitness in Older Adults in Amazonas” (SEVAAI). PA was assessed using the Baecke Questionnaire, PF using the Senior Fitness Test, and GS using the 50-foot Walk Test. Mediation pathways were analyzed to test the possible mediating role of PF between specific PA domains (PA-total score, PA-housework, PA-sport, PA-leisure) and GS. Regarding PA-total, the analysis showed that high-performance GS was partially mediated in approximately 19% by better PF performance. Moreover, the PF could partially mediate the association between PA-sport and PA-leisure with GS, at levels of approximately 9% and 46%, respectively. An inverse relationship was observed between PA-housework (sedentary lifestyle) and GS. This association was partially mediated to an extent of approximately 9% by better PF performance. We conclude that PF plays a crucial role in mediating the association between PA and GS among vulnerable older adults.
Coupling Coordination Analysis of Urban Development and Ecological Environment in Urban Area of Guilin Based on Multi-Source Data
Authors: Liu Taolin , Ren Chao , Zhang Shengguo , Yin Anchao , Yue Weiting
Published: October 2022

Urban development in developing regions increases ecological and environmental pressures. Few annual ecological studies have been conducted on tourist-oriented cities. Guilin is famous as an international tourist destination in Chine. Analyzing its coupling coordination between urbanization and ecology is vital for subsequent sustainable development. This paper constructed a night-time light index (NTLI) based on DMSP/OLS, NPP/VIIRS night-time light data in response to these problems. The remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) model was established in this study by using four indexes: greenness, wetness, dryness and heat. The coupling coordination degree model (CCDM) was built. From the dynamic time-series changes of CCDM, the urban development and ecological environment of the urban area of Guilin, from 2000 to 2020, were analyzed. The results showed that the urban area of Guilin’s urbanization had developed rapidly over the past 20 years. NTLI in 2020 was 7.72 times higher than in 2000. The overall ecological quality of the main urban area of Guilin has improved significantly, while local ecological pressure in Lingui District has increased. CCDM has shifted from low to high coupling coordination, and the relationship between urban development and the ecological environment has improved. The method of annual spatial-temporal analysis of urban ecology in this paper can be applied in similar studies on other cities, and the results obtained for Guilin have reference value for future urban planning and environmental protection work.
Environmental Regulation and Chronic Conditions: Evidence from China’s Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan
Authors: Zhao Yang , Kim Beomsoo
Published: October 2022

In January 2013, a dense haze covered 1.4 million kilometers of China and affected more than 800 million people. Air pollution in China had become a serious threat to the daily lives of people. The State Council of China enacted the “Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan” (APPCAP) in 2013 to lower the particulate matter (PM) level. Between 2013 and 2017, each administrative division established its own environmental preservation strategy in accordance with the APPCAP. We examined the effects of the nationwide air pollution control policy, APPCAP, on chronic health conditions among adults using a nationally representative survey, CFPS, conducted in 2012, 2014, and 2016. We applied a difference-in-differences model, using the time gap when each administrative division implemented the APPCAP. We found that the APPCAP significantly reduced doctor-diagnosed chronic conditions of the respiratory and circulatory systems in the last six months. In respiratory diseases and circulatory system diseases, the treatment effect of the APPCAP was a 34.6% and 11.5% reduction in the sample mean, respectively. The poorest socioeconomic groups and the elderly benefited the most. The stronger the goal, the more positive the effects were on health; the longer the policy intervention, the better the health outcomes were.
Alcohol Use during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Survey among Healthcare and Office Workers in Italy
Authors: Cedrone Fabrizio , Buomprisco Giuseppe , Nicola Mucci , La Torre Giuseppe , Nieto Hector , Perri Roberto , Montagna Vincenzo , Greco Emilio , De Sio Simone
Published: October 2022

Background: The aim of our study of a sample of Italian healthcare (HCWs) and office workers (OWs) carried out during the pandemic period was to understand alcohol consumption patterns during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey based on Google Forms was developed. Harmful alcohol use was assessed through a validated questionnaire (AUDIT-C). Three multivariate logistic regression models were implemented for the overall sample of HCWs and OWs. The presence of harmful alcohol consumption (AUDIT-C score) was considered as a dependent variable. Results: A total of 1745 workers answered the survey. A lower risk of harmful drinking behavior among men overall and in both working groups was found (aOR 0.42, CI 95% 0.33–0.53), but also for both HCWs (aOR 0.62, CI 95% 0.46–0.84) and OWs (aOR 0.17, CI 95% 0.11–0.27). Comparing OWs and HCWs, we found a higher risk of harmful drinking in the first group (aOR 1.62, CI 95% 1.20–2.18). Conclusions: The results of the survey indicate that unhealthy behaviors were elevated during the pandemic. It is urgent to implement company policies managed by an occupational doctor to raise workers’ awareness of alcohol-related dangers and provide educational tools that have the task of preventing the damage caused by alcohol.
Exploring the Mental, Social, and Lifestyle Effects of a Positive COVID-19 Infection on Syrian Refugees in Jordan: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kheirallah Khalid A. , Ababneh Bayan F. , Bendak Heba , Alsuwaidi Ahmed R. , Elbarazi Iffat
Published: October 2022

Migrants and refugees are among the vulnerable populations that suffered disproportionately from the COVID-19 crisis. However, their experiences with COVID-19 positivity status have not been investigated. This study explored the physical, mental, and psychosocial impacts of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis on Syrian refugees living in Jordan. Using a qualitative approach, twenty phone interviews were conducted with ten adult Syrian refugees living within the camp and ten refugees living in non-camp (host community) settings in Jordan. Follow-up interviews with five health care providers at a refugee camp were conducted to explore the services and support provided to the refugees with COVID-19 infection. The findings were thematically analyzed and grouped into major themes, subthemes, and emerging themes. Refugees living within camp settings had better access to testing, healthcare, and disease management and did not experience fear of being deported. Refugees in both settings suffered mental and psychosocial health impacts, social isolation, fear of death, and disease complications. COVID-19 infection has negatively impacted refugees’ well-being with noticeable disparities across the different living conditions. Refugees living within host community settings may need more support for managing their condition, accessibility to free testing, as well as treatment and healthcare services.
Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Student Distress and School Dropout: A Comparison between the Perspectives of Preadolescents, Parents, and Teachers
Authors: Pedditzi Maria Luisa , Fadda Roberta , Lucarelli Loredana
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the principal risk and protective factors associated with student distress and school dropout in a group of preadolescents, through a qualitative and quantitative comparison between the perspectives of students, parents, and teachers. We administered a questionnaire to evaluate student distress and school dropout in a middle school (student’s age range 13–15 years). We afterwards analyzed the responses of students at risk of school dropout. We also administered a semi-structured interview with their parents and their teachers. The results indicated significant levels of school distress in students (Collective Distress > 8.75) and a problematic relationship between parents and students (22.42%). We also found a problematic relationship between teachers and students (24.39%). The main protective factor of student distress and school drop-out indicated by the students was a more sensitive and supportive relationship with both parents and teachers. On the contrary, parents and teachers indicated as possible causes of school distress and drop-out the intrinsic students’ motivation or other external factors associated with the community. The results of our study highlight the importance to apply a multidimensional and transactional psycho-educational model, in which the relationship between the students and their caretaker plays a major role.
Impacts of Educational Interventions with Support of Mobile App versus Booklet for Patients with Hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome: A Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Wong Eliza Mi Ling , Tam Hon Lon , Leung Angela Yee Man , Cheung Alice Siu Ping , Cheung Ka Ching , Leung Doris Yin Ping
Published: October 2022

Background: Hypertension comorbid with metabolic syndrome could increase the development of adverse cardiovascular events. Educational interventions were effective to improve outcomes in patients. Methods: This was a secondary data analysis of participants with hypertension. The original randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the effect of app and booklet versus control among individuals diagnosed with metabolic syndrome living in the community. A 30-min health education was provided to each participant. In addition to the education, the app group received a mobile app while the booklet group received a booklet. Data were collected at baseline, week 4, week 12, and week 24. Intention-to-treat principle was followed, and generalized estimating equations was employed for data analysis. Results: A total of 118 participants with hypertension and metabolic syndrome were extracted from the three-arm trial data. The sample size was 36, 42, and 40 in the app group, booklet group, and control group, respectively. Compared to the control group, the app group showed a significant reduction on body weight and waist circumference at week 24, while the total exercise and self-efficacy for exercise were increased at week 12 and week 24 but no significant findings were observed in the booklet group. Conclusions: The educational intervention supported with app was superior to the booklet support on the outcomes of body weight, waist circumference, total exercise, and self-efficacy for exercise among patients with hypertension and metabolic syndrome in the community.
Sexual Self-Determination of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities—A Possible Philosophical Conceptualization and Resulting Practical Challenges
Authors: Skuban-Eiseler Tobias
Published: October 2022

(1) Background: Self-determination is one of the central values of many societies. Self-determination concerns many areas of life, including sexuality. Unfortunately, the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disabilities (IID) is often discriminated against, and even in their everyday care, sexuality is often given too little space, not least because of knowledge deficits of parents and staff. A practicable conceptualization of sexual self-determination is a prerequisite for helping IID to achieve self-determined sexuality. The aim of this paper is to formulate such an applicable conceptualization and to discuss related challenges. (2) Method: This paper uses Harry Frankfurt’s hierarchical conception of desires and the WHO definition of sexuality to develop a suitable understanding of sexual self-determination. (3) Results: The mentioned concepts offer promising tools to develop a conceptualization of sexual self-determination with high practical applicability. (4) Discussion: Sexual self-determination involves decision-making processes in relation to the different dimensions of sexuality. IID do need support to come to these decisions. Challenges that might be involved with such decision processes will be discussed.