bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Underwater Acoustic Target Recognition Based on Data Augmentation and Residual CNN
Authors: Yao Qihai , Wang Yong , Yang Yixin
Published: March 2023

In the field of underwater acoustic recognition, machine learning methods rely on a large number of datasets to achieve high accuracy, while the actual collected signal samples are often very scarce, which has a great impact on the recognition performance. This paper presents a recognition method of an underwater acoustic target by the data augmentation technique and the residual convolutional neural network (CNN) model, which is used to expand training samples to improve recognition performance. As a representative model in residual CNN, the ResNet18 model is used for recognition. The whole process mainly includes mel-frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) feature extraction, data augmentation processing, and ResNet18 model recognition. On the base of the traditional data augmentation, this study used the deep convolutional generative adversarial network (DCGAN) model to realize the expansion of underwater acoustic samples and compared the recognition performance of support vector machine (SVM), common CNN, VGG19, and ResNet18. The recognition results of the MFCC, constant Q transform (CQT), and low-frequency analyzer and recorder (LOFAR) spectrum were also analyzed and compared. Experimental results showed that the recognition accuracy of the MFCC feature was better than that of other features at the same method, and using the data augmentation method could obviously improve the recognition performance. Moreover, the recognition performance of ResNet18 using data enhancement technology was better than that of other models, which was due to the combination of the data expansion advantage of data augmentation technology and the deep feature extracting ability of the residual CNN model. In addition, although this method was used for ship recognition in this paper, it is not limited to this. This method is also applicable to other target voice recognition, such as natural sound and underwater voice biometrics.
Cross-Language Entity Alignment Based on Dual-Relation Graph and Neighbor Entity Screening
Authors: Zhang Xiaoming , Zhang Wencheng , Wang Huiyong
Published: March 2023

Graph convolutional network-based methods have become mainstream for cross-language entity alignment. The graph convolutional network has multi-order characteristics that not only process data more conveniently but also reduce the interference of noise effectively. Although the existing methods have achieved good results for the task of cross-language entity alignment, they have often overlooked the same entity names in the real corpus, resulting in an entity-matching result that was not ideal. Therefore, this study proposed a neighboring-entity-screening rule by combining the entity name and the attribute (NENA) to reduce the influence of these issues. We used the NENA-screening rule to filter and delete redundant equivalent entities and to construct a dual-relation graph as auxiliary evidence for scenarios when the attribute information may be insufficient.This study adopted a graph convolutional network in order to embed knowledge graphs and entity names into a unified vector space, and then a down-sampling method was used to extract the neighboring entities of each entity, thus forming sub-graphs of the two knowledge graphs. We embedded the sub-graphs into the GCN, as the new input, and then we used a cross-graph-matching module to finally achieve alignment. Our results on the DBP15K dataset showed that our approach significantly improved the overall entity alignment.On the sub-dataset ZH-EN of DBP15K, the value of Hits@1 improved by 1.38%, as compared to the best approach mentioned in this paper, and it was useful for the construction and completion of the open knowledge graph.
Insights into the Molecular and Hormonal Regulation of Complications of X-Linked Hypophosphatemia
Authors: Jagga Supriya , Venkat Shreya , Sorsby Melissa , Liu Eva S.
Published: March 2023

X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is characterized by mutations in the PHEX gene, leading to elevated serum levels of FGF23, decreased production of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D), and hypophosphatemia. Those affected with XLH manifest impaired growth and skeletal and dentoalveolar mineralization as well as increased mineralization of the tendon–bone attachment site (enthesopathy), all of which lead to decreased quality of life. Many molecular and murine studies have detailed the role of mineral ions and hormones in regulating complications of XLH, including how they modulate growth and growth plate maturation, bone mineralization and structure, osteocyte-mediated mineral matrix resorption and canalicular organization, and enthesopathy development. While these studies have provided insight into the molecular underpinnings of these skeletal processes, current therapies available for XLH do not fully prevent or treat these complications. Therefore, further investigations are needed to determine the molecular pathophysiology underlying the complications of XLH.
Evaluation of Adult Height in Patients with Non-Permanent Idiopathic GH Deficiency
Authors: Murianni Agnese , Lussu Anna , Guzzetti Chiara , Ibba Anastasia , Casula Letizia , Salerno Mariacarolina , Cappa Marco , Loche Sandro
Published: March 2023

Background: Several studies have evaluated the role of IGF-1 in the diagnosis of growth hormone deficiency (GHD). According to a recent study, an IGF-1 concentration of a −1.5 standard deviation score (SDS) appeared to be the best cut-off for distinguishing between children with GHD and normal children. This value should always be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical and biochemical parameters for the diagnosis of GHD, since both stimulation tests and IGF-1 assays have poor diagnostic accuracy by themselves. Our study was designed to evaluate the adult height (AH) in children with short stature and baseline IGF-1 concentration ≤ −1.5 SDS. Design: This retrospective analysis included 52 children and adolescents evaluated over the last 30 years for short stature and/or deceleration of the growth rate who underwent diagnostic procedures to evaluate a possible GHD. Only the patients who had baseline IGF-1 values ≤−1.5 SDS at the time of the first test were included in the study. Patients with genetic/organic GHD or underlying diseases were not included. Method: The case group consisted of 24 patients (13 boys and 11 girls) with non-permanent, idiopathic, and isolated GHD (peak GH < 10 μg/L after two provocative tests with arginine (Arg), insulin tolerance test (ITT), and clonidine (Clo), or <20 μg/L after GHRH + Arginine (GHRH+Arg); normal MRI; normal GH; and/or normal IGF-1 concentrations at near-AH). These patients were treated with GH (25–35 μg/kg/die) until near-AH. The control group consisted of 28 patients (23 boys and 5 girls) with idiopathic short stature (ISS, normal peak GH after provocative testing, no evidence of other causes for their shortness). Both groups had basal IGF-1 ≤−1.5 SDS. Results: AH and height gain in both groups were comparable. In the group of cases, mean IGF-1 SDS at the time of diagnosis was significantly lower than the levels found at the time of retesting. Conclusions: In this study, both treated patients with idiopathic GHD and untreated patients with ISS reached similar near-AHs (within target height) and showed similar increases in SDS for their height. Thus, the efficacy of treatment with rhGH in these patients may be questionable. This could be due to the fact that children with ISS are frequently misdiagnosed with GHD.
Modeling and CFD Simulation of Regression Rate in Hybrid Rocket Motors
Authors: Rampazzo Alessandro , Barato Francesco
Published: March 2023

As the research on hybrid rocket motors advances, more accurate tools are needed to estimate the performance of the system by determining its fundamental parameters. One of them is certainly the regression rate of the solid fuel. Unfortunately, it depends on many complex physical phenomena and interactions which vary with time, space and scale, making the task of predicting its evolution very difficult. To address this issue, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was employed to investigate the inner workings of a hybrid rocket motor and develop a useful tool to help the design process and contribute to the physical understanding of the problem. By implementing a User-Defined Function (UDF) in a commercial CFD software, it has been possible to simulate the regression rate as a function of heat flux at the fuel surface. The calculation is performed by solving the energy balance at the solid–fluid interface coupled with the pyrolysis Arrhenius equation. Validation has been performed using literature data from Carmicino and Sorge. The results generally agree with the experimental regression rates within 10% of error for HDPE and 20% for HTPB. A significant discrepancy in the regression rates of these two fuels not accounted for by the classical theory was exposed.
Exposure of Hyalella bonariensis (Crustacea, Amphipoda) to Essential Oils: Effects on Anesthesia and Swimming Activity
Authors: Becker Alessandra Janaína , Santos Sandro , Heinzmann Berta Maria , Caron Braulio Otomar , Baldisserotto Bernardo
Published: March 2023

Amphipods are frequently used as bioindicators of water quality in experimental or behavior trials. Thus, it is a group considered suitable for use as a model organism in tests with essential oils (EOs). This study evaluated the time required for anesthesia induction and recovery of the amphipod crustacean H. bonariensis exposed to the essential oils of Aloysia triphylla (EOAT) and Lippia alba (EOLA), and their major compounds citral and linalool, respectively. In addition, we evaluated the locomotor activity of amphipods using ANY-maze® software. Mortalities were observed at concentrations of 100 and 200 µL/L of citral (50.0 ± 0.39%) and 750 µL/L of EOLA (66.7 ± 0.33%). Except for linalool, increased concentrations of the compounds of the essential oils decreased the time for sedation and anesthesia induction. There were differences for the induction of anesthesia (p < 0.05) and recovery (p < 0.05) between EOLA and linalool treatments, but not between that for EOAT and citral. Reduced locomotor activity and longer time and episodes of freezing were observed in animals exposed to EOAT. The EOs and their major compounds induced anesthesia and affected the locomotor activity of H. bonariensis, Therefore, EOAT and linalool are recommended for anesthesia of this species. EOAT can also be utilized in long-term exposure.
Blackcurrant Alleviates Dextran Sulfate Sodium (DSS)-Induced Colitis in Mice
Authors: Moon Hye-Jung , Cha Youn-Soo , Kim Kyung-Ah
Published: March 2023

Previous studies have reported that anthocyanin (ACN)-rich materials have beneficial effects on ulcerative colitis (UC). Blackcurrant (BC) has been known as one of the foods rich in ACN, while studies demonstrating its effect on UC are rare. This study attempted to investigate the protective effects of whole BC in mice with colitis using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). Mice were orally given whole BC powder at a dose of 150 mg daily for four weeks, and colitis was induced by drinking 3% DSS for six days. Whole BC relieved symptoms of colitis and pathological changes in the colon. The overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in serum and colon tissues was also reduced by whole BC. In addition, whole BC significantly lowered the levels of mRNA and protein of downstream targets in the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, BC administration increased the expression of genes related to barrier function: ZO-1, occludin, and mucin. Moreover, the whole BC modulated the relative abundance of gut microbiota altered with DSS. Therefore, the whole BC has demonstrated the potential to prevent colitis through attenuation of the inflammatory response and regulation of the gut microbial composition.
Does Nepal Have the Agriculture to Feed Its Population with a Sustainable Diet? Evidence from the Perspective of Human–Land Relationship
Authors: Liu Ying , Yang Yanzhao , Zhang Chao , Xiao Chiwei , Song Xinzhe
Published: March 2023

Nepal is one of the least developed countries in the world, with more than 80% of the population engaged in agricultural production and more than two-fifths of the population still living below the poverty line. Ensuring food security has always been a key national policy in Nepal. Using a nutrient conversion model and an improved resource carrying capacity model as well as statistical data and household questionnaires, an analysis framework for food supply balance is developed in this study, which quantitatively analyzes the balance of food supply and demand in Nepal from the perspectives of food and calories during the period 2000–2020. Nepal’s agricultural production and consumption have increased significantly, and the diet has been relatively stable over the past two decades. The diet structure is stable and homogeneous, with plant products occupying the absolute position in overall dietary consumption. The supply of food and calories varies widely from region to region. Although the increasing supply level at the national scale can meet the needs of the current population, the food self-sufficiency level cannot meet the needs of the local population development at the county level due to the influence of population, geographical location, and land resources. We found that the agricultural environment in Nepal is fragile. The government can improve agricultural production capacity by adjusting the agricultural structure, improving the efficiency of agricultural resources, improving the cross-regional flow of agricultural products, and improving international food trade channels. The food supply and demand balance framework provided a reference for achieving balance between the supply and demand of food and calories in a resource-carrying land and provides a scientific basis for Nepal to achieve zero hunger under the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, development of policies in order to increase agricultural productivity will be critical for improving food security in agricultural countries such as Nepal.
Antialcohol and Hepatoprotective Effects of Tamarind Shell Extract on Ethanol-Induced Damage to HepG2 Cells and Animal Models
Authors: Han Shao-Cong , Huang Rong-Ping , Zhang Qiong-Yi , Yan Chang-Yu , Li Xi-You , Li Yi-Fang , He Rong-Rong , Li Wei-Xi
Published: March 2023

Alcohol liver disease (ALD) is one of the leading outcomes of acute and chronic liver injury. Accumulative evidence has confirmed that oxidative stress is involved in the development of ALD. In this study, we used chick embryos to establish ALD model to study the hepatoprotective effects of tamarind shell exttract (TSE). Chick embryos received 25% ethanol (75 μL) and TSE (250, 500, 750 μg/egg/75 μL) from embryonic development day (EDD) 5.5. Both ethanol and TSE were administrated every two days until EDD15. Ethanol-exposed zebrafish and HepG2 cell model were also employed. The results suggested that TSE effectively reversed the pathological changes, liver dysfunction and ethanol-metabolic enzyme disorder in ethanol-treated chick embryo liver, zebrafish and HepG2 cells. TSE suppressed the excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) in zebrafish and HepG2 cells, as well as rebuilt the irrupted mitochondrial membrane potential. Meanwhile, the declined antioxidative activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), together with the content of total glutathione (T-GSH) were recovered by TSE. Moreover, TSE upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2—related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxyense-1 (HO-1) expression in protein and mRNA level. All the phenomena suggested that TSE attenuated ALD through activating NRF2 to repress the oxidative stress induced by ethanol.
Familial 4p Interstitial Deletion Provides New Insights and Candidate Genes Underlying This Rare Condition
Authors: Di Jing , Yenwongfai Leonard , Rieger Hillary T. , Zhang Shulin , Wei Sainan
Published: March 2023

Chromosome 4p deletions can lead to two distinct phenotypic outcomes: Wolf-–Hirschhorn syndrome (a terminal deletion at 4p16.3) and less frequently reported proximal interstitial deletions (4p11-p16). Proximal 4p interstitial deletions can result in mild to moderate intellectual disability, facial dysmorphisms, and a tall thin body habitus. To date, only 35 cases of proximal 4p interstitial deletions have been reported, and only two of these cases have been familial. The critical region for this syndrome has been narrowed down to 4p15.33-15.2, but the underlying causative genes remain unclear. In this study, we report the case of a 3-year-old female with failure to thrive, developmental and motor delays, and morphological features. The mother also had a 4p15.2-p14 deletion, and the proband was found to have a 13.4-Mb 4p15.2-p14 deletion by chromosome microarray analysis. The deleted region encompasses 16 genes, five of which have a high likelihood of contributing to the phenotype: PPARGC1A, DHX15, RBPJ, STIM2, and PCDH7. These findings suggest that multiple genes are involved in this rare proximal 4p interstitial deletion syndrome. This case highlights the need for healthcare providers to be aware of proximal 4p interstitial deletions and the potential phenotypic manifestations.
Body Fluid Identification in Samples Collected after Intimate and Social Contact: A Comparison of Two mRNA Profiling Methods and the Additional Information Gained by cSNP Genotypes
Authors: Johannessen Helen , Hanson Erin , Gill Peter , Haas Cordula , Bergseth Erik Francisco , Ballantyne Jack , Fonneløp Ane Elida
Published: March 2023

The ability to associate a contributor with a specific body fluid in a crime stain can aid casework investigation. The detection of body fluids combined with DNA analyses may supply essential information, but as the two tests are independent, they may not be associated. Recently, the analysis of coding region SNPs (cSNPs) within the RNA transcript has been proven to be a promising method to face this challenge. In this study, we performed targeted RNA sequencing of 158 samples (boxershorts, fingernail swabs and penile swabs) collected from 12 couples at different time points post-intimate contact and after non-intimate contact, using the Ion S5™ System and BFID-cSNP-6F assay. The aim of the study was to compare the performance of the MPS and CE methods in the detection of mRNA markers, and to associate body fluids with contributors by their cSNP genotypes. The results of the study show a lower success rate in the detection of vaginal mucosa by the MPS compared to the CE method. However, the additional information obtained with the cSNP genotypes could successfully associate body fluids with contributors in most cases.
Simulating Landslide Generated Tsunamis in Palu Bay, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: Androsov Alexey , Harig Sven , Rakowsky Natalja
Published: March 2023

The results of an extensive series of numerical experiments of the GNOM-LS model for modelling the physical and energy characteristics of tsunami waves generated by landslides are presented. Based on the published data on the tsunami on 28 September 2018 in Palu Bay, we analysed the sensitivity of the distribution of wave heights along the coastline formed by the landslide system, depending on the characteristics of these landslides and model parameters. The complexity of the work lies in the lack of a holistic picture of the initial information about landslides, their number and accurate measurement data on the height of the waves of the event. We attempted to restore these conditions by comparing numerical simulations for various initialisations of the landslide system with available observational data. It is revealed that the simulated system has a very high sensitivity to the initial conditions and characteristics of landslides. An essential task of the work is interpreting a complex picture of the nonlinear interaction of tsunami waves with minor changes in the initial characteristics of landslides. Based on the numerical simulation of single landslides and a complete system of landslides, an analysis of the complex structure of the nonlinear interaction of tsunami waves is carried out.
Older Parents’ Cynical Hostility and Their Relationships with Their Adult Children: A Longitudinal Dyadic Study of North American Couples
Authors: Segel-Karpas Dikla
Published: March 2023

Older adults’ relationships with their children are often a source of reciprocal emotional and instrumental support, but also of strain. Cynical hostility is a cognitive schema, according to which people cannot be trusted. Previous studies showed that cynical hostility has adverse implications for social relationships. Little is known about the possible outcomes of parental cynical hostility on older adults’ relationships with their children. Two waves of the Health and Retirement Study and Actor–Partner Interdependence Models were used to examine the way spouses’ cynical hostility at Time 1 is associated with their own and their spouse’s relationship with the children at Time 2. Both partners’ cynical hostility predicts his or her own strain in the relationship with the children, and for husbands, their spouse’s cynical hostility also predicts strain. For husbands only, their own cynical hostility is associated with reduced perceived support from their children. Finally, a husband’s cynical hostility is associated with both partners’ reduced contact with their children. These findings illuminate the social and familial costs of cynical hostility in old age, suggesting that older adults with higher levels of cynical hostility may be more susceptible to strained relationships with their children.
Temperature and Light Spectrum Differently Affect Growth, Morphology, and Leaf Mineral Content of Two Indoor-Grown Leafy Vegetables
Authors: Kong Yun , Masabni Joseph , Niu Genhua
Published: March 2023

This study was carried out to determine the effect of three commercial LEDs of different spectra with or without far red (FR) photons on the growth, morphology, and mineral content of two leafy vegetables under two temperatures (30 °C and 21 °C). The two leafy greens were ‘Cegolaine’ lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and ‘Petite Star’ pak choy (Brassica rapa subsp. Chinensis). In each temperature, there were three light spectra: red and blue LED, and white LED with or without FR. All spectra of lights were adjusted to a total photon flux density of 250 μmol m−2 s−1 at the top of the plant canopy. Results indicated that temperature treatment had a significant influence on most measured parameters. When temperature increased from 21 to 30 °C, lettuce shoot fresh and dry weights increased by 30% and 53%, respectively, while those of pak choy increased by approximately 22%. For both species, plants at high temperature had a larger leaf area but lower mineral content compared to those at low temperature. The spectrum treatment had a minor or no effect on the measured traits. In conclusion, the 5% FR did not impact the yield or biomass of either crop and the plant responses to spectra varied with temperature and species. The two temperatures resulted in significant differences in growth, morphology, and leaf mineral content in both species.
Distributional Trends in the Generation and End-Use Sector of Low-Carbon Hydrogen Plants
Authors: James Nick , Menzies Max
Published: March 2023

This paper uses established and recently introduced methods from the applied mathematics and statistics literature to study trends in the end-use sector and the capacity of low-carbon hydrogen projects in recent and upcoming decades. First, we examine distributions in plants over time for various end-use sectors and classify them according to metric discrepancy, observing clear similarity across all industry sectors. Next, we compare the distribution of usage sectors between different continents and examine the changes in sector distribution over time. Finally, we judiciously apply several regression models to analyse the association between various predictors and the capacity of global hydrogen projects. Across our experiments, we see a welcome exponential growth in the capacity of zero-carbon hydrogen plants and significant growth of new and planned hydrogen plants in the 2020’s across every sector.
Physical Therapy in Tension-Type Headache: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Repiso-Guardeño Angela , Moreno-Morales Noelia , Armenta-Pendón María Angeles , Rodríguez-Martínez María del Carmen , Pino-Lozano Ricardo , Armenta-Peinado Juan Antonio
Published: March 2023

(1) Objective: The aim of this study is to synthesize the effects of physical therapy on pain, frequency, or duration management in the short, medium, and long term in adult patients diagnosed with Tension-type headache (TTH). (2) Background: Tension-type headache (TTH) is the most common headache with migraine and its pathophysiology and treatment has been discussed for years without reaching a consensus. (3) Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020175020). The systematic search for clinical trials was performed in the databases PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PEDro, Scopus, SciELO and Dialnet. Articles were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, regarding the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions on adult patients with TTH published in the last 11 years with a score ≥ 6 in the PEDro Scale (Physiotherapy Evidence Database). (4) Results: In total, 120 articles were identified, of which 15 randomized controlled trials were finally included in order to determine the inclusion criteria. Changes in pain intensity, headache frequency or headache duration of individual studies were described (5) Conclusions: This systematic review shows that there is no standardized physical therapy protocol for the approach to tension headache, although all the techniques studied to date address in one way or another the cranio-cervical-mandibular region. The approach to the cranio-cervical-mandibular region reports significant effects in terms of decreasing the intensity of pain and frequency of headache episodes in the short and medium term. More long-term longitudinal studies are needed.
Experiences of Forest Healing Instructors Who Met Cancer Patients in Forest Healing Programs: FGI Research
Authors: Park Eun Young , Song Min Kyung , An Mi Young
Published: March 2023

Background: Demand for urban forest programs for the healing of cancer survivors is increasing. To develop a forest healing program for the integrated care of cancer patients, it is necessary to analyze the experiences of forest healing instructors who have conducted programs for cancer patients. Methods: This qualitative study applied focus group interviews (FGIs; four interviews with sixteen participants) to describe and understand the experiences of forest healing instructors who run forest healing programs for cancer patients. Results: Four themes were identified: “prepared encounters and unexpected encounters,” “yearning for healing,” “people who need special care,” and “things to prepare for cancer patient programs.” Conclusion: Forest healing instructors had difficulty facilitating programs for cancer patients owing to prejudice and a lack of knowledge about the characteristics of cancer patients. Moreover, differentiated programs and places that align with the specific needs of cancer patients are needed. It is necessary to develop an integrated care forest healing program for cancer patients and educate forest healing instructors about the needs of cancer patients.
Examining Plogging in South Korea as a New Social Movement: From the Perspective of Claus Offe’s New Social Movement Theory
Authors: Lee Wanyoung , Choi Yoonso
Published: March 2023

This study examines plogging as an environmental movement, using Claus Offe’s new social movement theory to critically analyze why its value as an environmental movement has not been recognized in Korean society. Four rounds of in-depth interviews and narrative analysis were conducted between 2 October and 28 December 2022, which involved eight individuals who participated in and organized the plogging movement. The results revealed three reasons for plogging’s failure to be appreciated by Korean society as an environmental movement: (1) the plogging movement overlaps with existing social movements; (2) the generational gap related to plogging movement participants stemming from the “new middle class”; and (3) conglomerates using the plogging movement as a marketing tool. The plogging movement has value as a new proactive, social movement for environmental protection that centers on people’s participation. However, long-standing ideological and structural issues embedded in Korean society hinder the recognition of plogging’s value.
Preliminary Investigation and Analysis of Beachgoers’ Awareness of Rip Currents in South China
Authors: Zhu Daoheng , Li Zhiqiang , Hu Pengpeng , Wang Bingfu , Su Qianxin , Li Gaocong
Published: March 2023

Among many coastal hazards, rip currents have gradually become one of the most noticeable hazards. Studies have demonstrated that most drowning accidents at beaches around the world are related to rip currents. In this study, online and field questionnaires were combined for the first time to reveal beachgoers’ awareness of rip currents in China from four aspects: demographic characteristics, swimming ability, information about visiting beaches, and knowledge about rip currents. One educational strategy was introduced to the field survey. The results suggest that (i) the proportion of online and field respondents who have heard of “rip currents” and seen warning signs of rip currents is extremely small. This reflects that beachgoers lack awareness of rip current hazards. Thus, China needs to strengthen the safety education of rip current knowledge. (ii) The level of awareness of rip currents can significantly affect the community’s ability to identify the location of rip currents and their choice of escape direction. (iii) In the field survey, we implemented an educational strategy as an intervention for respondents, and the accuracy of identifying rip currents and choosing the correct escape route improved by 34% and 46.7%, respectively. This implies that the intervention of educational strategy can significantly deepen beachgoers’ awareness of rip currents. It is recommended that more educational strategies about rip current knowledge be implemented on Chinese beaches in the future.
Reproductive and Obstetric Outcomes after UAE, HIFU, and TFA of Uterine Fibroids: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Akhatova Ayazhan , Aimagambetova Gulzhanat , Bapayeva Gauri , Laganà Antonio Simone , Chiantera Vito , Oppelt Peter , Sarria-Santamera Antonio , Terzic Milan
Published: March 2023

Novel treatment options for uterine fibroids, such as uterine artery embolization (UAE), ultrasound-guided and magnetic resonance-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (USgHIFU and MRgHIFU), and transcervical radiofrequency ablation (TFA) methods, are widely used in clinical practice. This systematic review and meta-analysis (CRD42022297312) aims to assess and compare reproductive and obstetric outcomes in women who underwent these minimally invasive approaches for uterine fibroids. The search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Cochrane guidelines. The articles were selected to meet the following eligibility criteria: (1) research article, (2) human subject research, and (3) the study of pregnancy outcomes after the treatment of uterine fibroids by either one of three methods—UAE, HIFU, and TFA. The analysis of 25 eligible original articles shows a similar rate of live births for UAE, USgHIFU, MRgHIFU, and TFA (70.8%, 73.5%, 70%, and 75%, respectively). The number of pregnancies varied considerably among these studies, as well as the mean age of pregnant women. However, the results of pregnancy outcomes for TFA are insufficient to draw firm conclusions, since only 24 women became pregnant in these studies, resulting in three live births. The miscarriage rate was highest in the UAE group (19.2%). USgHIFU was associated with a higher rate of placental abnormalities compared to UAE (2.8% vs. 1.6%). The pooled estimate of pregnancies was 17.31% to 44.52% after UAE, 18.69% to 78.53% after HIFU, and 2.09% to 7.63% after TFA. The available evidence confirmed that these minimally invasive uterine-sparing treatment options for uterine fibroids are a good approach for patients wishing to preserve their fertility, with comparable reproductive and obstetric outcomes among the different techniques.
Spatio-Temporal Coupling Evolution of Urbanisation and Carbon Emission in the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Fu Huijuan , Li Bo , Liu Xiuqing , Zheng Jiayi , Yin Shanggang , Jiang Haining
Published: March 2023

The distribution characteristics of urbanisation level and per capita carbon emissions from 2006 to 2019 were investigated by the ranking scale rule, using 108 cities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt of China. A coupling coordination model was established to analyse the relative development relationship between the two, and exploratory spatial–temporal data analysis (ESTDA) was applied to reveal the spatial interaction characteristics and temporal evolution pattern of the coupling coordination degree. The results demonstrate that: (1) The urbanisation level and per capita carbon emissions of the Yangtze River Economic Belt show a stable spatial structure of ‘high in the east and low in the west’. (2) The coupling and coordination degree of urbanisation level and carbon emissions show a trend of ‘decreasing and then increasing’, with a spatial distribution of ‘high in the east and low in the west’. (3) The spatial structure exhibits strong stability, dependence, and integration. The stability is enhanced from west to east, the coupling coordination degree has strong transfer inertia, and the spatial pattern’s path dependence and locking characteristics show a trend of weak fluctuation. Therefore, the coupling and coordination analysis is required for the coordinated development of urbanisation and carbon emission reduction.
Auditing the Audits: A Systematic Review on Different Procedures in Telemedicine
Authors: Cardile Davide , Corallo Francesco , Cappadona Irene , Ielo Augusto , Bramanti Placido , Lo Buono Viviana , Ciurleo Rosella , De Cola Maria Cristina
Published: March 2023

Telemedicine is a process of delivering health care using information and communication technologies. Audit and feedback (A&F) constitute a systematic intervention that is aimed at collecting data, which are subsequently compared with reference standards and then returned to health care operators through feedback meetings. The aim of this review is to analyse different audit procedures on and by mean of telemedicine services and to identify a practice that is more effective than the others. Systematic searches were performed in three databases evaluating studies focusing on clinical audits performed on and by means of telemedicine systems. Twenty-five studies were included in the review. Most of them focused on telecounselling services with an audit and a maximum duration of one year. Recipients of the audit were telemedicine systems and service users (general practitioners, referring doctors, and patients). Data resulting from the audit were inherent to the telemedicine service. The overall data collected concerned the number of teleconsultations, service activity, reasons for referral, response times, follow-up, reasons why treatment was not completed, technical issues, and other information specific to each telemedicine service. Only two of the considered studies dealt with organizational aspects, and of these, only one analysed communicative aspects. The complexity and heterogeneity of the treatments and services provided meant that no index of uniformity could be identified. Certainly, some audits were performed in an overlapping manner in the different studies, and these show that although attention is often paid to workers’ opinions, needs, and issues, little interest was shown in communicative/organizational and team dynamics. Given the importance and influence that communication has in teamwork and care settings, an audit protocol that takes into account intra- and extra-team communication processes could be essential to improving the well-being of operators and the quality of the service provided.
Mental Health Is a Family Affair—Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Associations between Mental Health Problems in Parents and Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Stracke Markus , Heinzl Miriam , Müller Anne Dorothee , Gilbert Kristin , Thorup Anne Amalie Elgaard , Paul Jean Lillian , Christiansen Hanna
Published: March 2023

As a multidimensional and universal stressor, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the mental health of children, adolescents, and adults worldwide. In particular, families faced numerous restrictions and challenges. From the literature, it is well known that parental mental health problems and child mental health outcomes are associated. Hence, this review aims to summarize the current research on the associations of parental mental health symptoms and child mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a systematic literature search in Web of Science (all databases) and identified 431 records, of which 83 articles with data of over 80,000 families were included in 38 meta-analyses. A total of 25 meta-analyses resulted in significant small to medium associations between parental mental health symptoms and child mental health outcomes (r = 0.19 to 0.46, p < 0.05). The largest effects were observed for the associations of parenting stress and child mental health outcomes. A dysfunctional parent–child interaction has been identified as a key mechanism for the transmission of mental disorders. Thus, specific parenting interventions are needed to foster healthy parent–child interactions, to promote the mental health of families, and to reduce the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Literature Study of Medical Simulations for Non-Technical Skills Training in Emergency Medicine: Twenty Years of Progress, an Integrated Research Framework, and Future Research Avenues
Authors: Zhang Cevin
Published: March 2023

Medical simulations have led to extensive developments in emergency medicine. Apart from the growing number of applications and research efforts in patient safety, few studies have focused on modalities, research methods, and professions via a synthesis of simulation studies with a focus on non-technical skills training. Intersections between medical simulation, non-technical skills training, and emergency medicine merit a synthesis of progress over the first two decades of the 21st century. Drawing on research from the Web of Science Core Collection’s Science Citation Index Expanded and Social Science Citation Index editions, results showed that medical simulations were found to be effective, practical, and highly motivating. More importantly, simulation-based education should be a teaching approach, and many simulations are utilised to substitute high-risk, rare, and complex circumstances in technical or situational simulations. (1) Publications were grouped by specific categories of non-technical skills, teamwork, communication, diagnosis, resuscitation, airway management, anaesthesia, simulation, and medical education. (2) Although mixed-method and quantitative approaches were prominent during the time period, further exploration of qualitative data would greatly contribute to the interpretation of experience. (3) High-fidelity dummy was the most suitable instrument, but the tendency of simulators without explicitly stating the vendor selection calls for a standardised training process. The literature study concludes with a ring model as the integrated framework of presently known best practices and a broad range of underexplored research areas to be investigated in detail.
Physically Inactive Undergraduate Students Exhibit More Symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, and Poor Quality of Life than Physically Active Students
Authors: Santana Endrew Eduardo Santos de , Neves Lucas Melo , Souza Karla Cardoso de , Mendes Tassia Barcelos , Rossi Fabricio Eduardo , Silva Ariana Aline da , Oliveira Rosemeire de , Perilhão Mauro Sergio , Roschel Hamilton , Gil Saulo
Published: March 2023

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 min of moderate or vigorous activity (MVPA) per week for health benefits. However, meeting WHO guidelines for physical activity has been shown to be a great challenge for general populations and it may be even more difficult for undergraduate students due to elevated academic demand, thus negatively affecting general health status. Thus, this study investigated whether undergraduate students meeting WHO guidelines for physical activity show greater scores for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life than their counterparts not meeting guideline recommendations. Additionally, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life among academic areas were compared. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. The participants were recruited through messaging apps or institutional e-mail. The participants filled out an online consent form, questionnaires to assess demographic and academic characteristics, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Beck depression and anxiety inventory, and the short-form 36-item health survey questionnaire. The participants were classified as physically active (MVPA > 150 min/week) or inactive (MVPA < 150 min/week) according to WHO Guidelines. Results: A total of 371 individuals were included in the analysis. Physically inactive students demonstrated higher scores of depression (17.96 vs. 14.62; 95% CI: −5.81 to −0.86; p = 0.0083) than physically active ones. SF-36 analyses revealed that physically inactive students had lower values in mental (45.68 vs. 52.77; 95% CI: 2.10 to 12.06; p = 0.0054) and physical (59.37 vs. 67.14; 95% CI: 3.24 to 12.30; p = 0.0015) domains compared with physically active ones. As for SF-36 subscales, physically inactive students showed lower scores in function capacity (70.45 vs. 79.70; 95% CI: 4.27 to 14.49; p = 0.0003), mental health (45.57 vs. 55.60; 95% CI: 5.28 to 14.76; p < 0.0001), social aspects (48.91 vs. 57.69; 95%CI: 3.47 to 14.08; p = 0.0012), vitality (42.19 vs. 50.61; 95% CI: 3.47 to 13.35; p = 0.0009), pain (61.85 vs. 68.00; 95% CI: 1.27 to 11.02; p = 0.0135), and general health status (53.82 vs. 63.81; 95% CI: 5.21 to 14.75; p < 0.0001) than their physically active peers. Conclusions: The findings suggest that undergraduate students who do not meet WHO guidelines for physical activity display higher scores of anxiety, depression, and poor quality of life in comparison with their counterparts meeting physical activity guidelines. Collectively, these data suggest the need for academic institutions and policy makers to monitor and promote in-campus interventions to encourage physical activity.
Experiences of Undocumented Parents Reuniting with Children Who Entered the United States as Unaccompanied Minors
Authors: Rafieifar Maryam , Potocky Miriam , Huang Hui , Beaulaurier Richard L. , Bruan Lorenzini Sloan
Published: March 2023

In 2021, the United States saw an exponential influx of unaccompanied migrant children crossing the U.S.–Mexico border. Upon apprehension at the border, unaccompanied children are placed in the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) temporary shelter facilities. The ORR is responsible for locating, vetting, and releasing the children to their family, guardians, or a suitable sponsor. Undocumented parents seeking reunification may fear cross-examination and background checks. This study aimed to explore the experiences of undocumented families reunified with their children with the help of a community-based organization (CBO). A collective case study method was used to collect qualitative data from seven parents. Respondent parents expressed their rationale for allowing their children to cross the U.S.–Mexico border, their experience with the ORR, and the reasons they pursued community-based guidance. The results document the depth of trauma and difficulties parents of unaccompanied migrant children face with American service providers. It is recommended that immigration-related government agencies form relationships with culturally diverse organizations that are trusted by immigrant communities.
Longitudinal Study on the Effect of Onboard Service on Seafarers’ Health Statuses
Authors: Russo Andrea , Mulić Rosanda , Kolčić Ivana , Maleš Matko , Jerončić Tomić Iris , Pezelj Luka
Published: March 2023

Seafaring is considered one of the most stressful professions. Stressors in seafaring lead to typical symptoms of stress, such as insomnia, loss of concentration, anxiety, lower tolerance of frustration, changes in eating habits, psychosomatic symptoms and diseases, and overall reduced productivity, with the possibility of burnout and chronic responsibility syndrome. It has been previously determined that seafarers belong to high-risk occupations in terms of developing metabolic syndrome, and according to their BMIs, almost 50% of all seafarers belong to the overweight and obesity categories. This is the first longitudinal study conducted with the aim of using the BIA method to determine the anthropometrical changes that occur during several weeks of continuous onboard service. This study included an observed group consisting of 63 professional seafarers with 8 to 12 weeks of continuous onboard service and a control group of 36 respondents from unrelated occupations. It was determined that Croatian seafarers fit into the current world trends regarding overweight and obesity among the seafaring population, with the following percentages in the BMI categories: underweight, 0%; normal weight, 42.86%; overweight, 39.68%; and obesity, 17.46%. It was established that the anthropometric statuses of the seafarers significantly changed during several weeks of continuous onboard service. Seafarers who served on board for 11 weeks lost 0.41 kg of muscle mass, whereas their total fat mass increased by 1.93 kg. Changes in anthropometric parameters could indicate deterioration of seafarers’ health statuses.