bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Pollution Sources from Agricultural Activities on Tropical Forested Floodplain Wetlands Revealed by Soil eDNA
Authors: Adame Maria Fernanda , Reef Ruth
Published: August 2020

Tropical floodplain wetlands are found in low-lying areas that are periodically inundated. During wet periods, these wetlands can receive large amounts of suspended and dissolved material from the catchment, including many potential pollutants. In this study, we use traditional isotope tracers (δ15N and δ13C) along with soil eDNA to investigate the sources of transported materials and potential contaminants in seven forested floodplain wetlands in tropical Australia. We hypothesised that eDNA and isotope tracers in the soil would reflect the land use of the catchment. Our goal was to test whether eDNA could be used as a potential tool to identify and monitor pollutants in floodplain wetlands. The sampling sites were located within catchments that have a mosaic of land types, from well-conserved rainforests to intensive agricultural land uses, such as grazing, sugar cane, wood production, and horticulture. The soil eDNA was comprised of a mix of plant species consistent with the land use of the catchments. Most of the eDNA pool was derived from native trees, accounting for 46.2 ± 6.5% of the total; while cultivated species associated with agricultural activities contributed to 1–24% of the total. From the cultivated species, highest contributions (>5%) were from Sorghum sp. used for grazing, banana (Musa ornata), melons (Cucumis melo), and Pinus radiata and Juniperus sp. grown for wood production. Interestingly, tropical wetlands on sites 15 km offshore had soil eDNA from agricultural activities of the mainland, highlighting the connectivity of these wetlands, probably during extensive floods. Overall, soil eDNA, more than isotopic tracers, showed promising results for tracing and monitoring potential pollutants in tropical floodplain wetlands that are highly connected and susceptible to environmental degradation.
Preparation of Wood-Based Panel Composites with Poplar Veneer as the Surface Layer Modified by In-Situ Polymerization of Active Monomers
Authors: Yu Xiaoyan , Xu Dandan , Sun Yan , Geng Yuran , Fan Jilong , Dai Xiaohan , He Zaixin , Dong Xiaoying , Dong Yufeng , Li Yongfeng
Published: August 2020

Wood-based panels covered by melamine-impregnated paper are widely used in floors and furniture, due to its good surface texture, hardness, wear resistance, and waterproof function. However, there are still some problems, such as formaldehyde release from the impregnated resin, non-wood touch, and complex preparation processes. Therefore, this study designed glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), combined with maleic anhydride (MAN) as a reactive catalyst, to build an active monomers system. It was first impregnated into poplar veneers, and then in-situ polymerized within the veneer using a hot pressing process, which realized the gluing of the veneer onto the wood-based panel substrate, synchronously. Such treatment aims to obtain wood-based panel composites decorated by the modified veneer, with real solid wood touch feeling, satisfied surface properties, and environment friendly glue bonding. The results indicated that the optimized reaction ratio of the active monomers (GMA:EGDMA) was 2:1 (molar ratio), and the maleic anhydride addition accounted for 6 wt.% of the total monomers. Under the optimized hot pressing condition, the modified veneer closely bonded to the wood-based panel substrate without obvious interfacial gaps. The hardness, abrasion resistance, modulus of rupture, and water resistance of the composites were significantly improved. Such results indicate that the treatment realized the perfect merging of solid wood touch feeling, environment friendly feature, and excellent properties of the composite. It was highly expected to replace the traditional melamine-impregnated paper to decorate wood-based panels, and could be potentially applied as surface decorating materials in wide areas of desktop, floor, cupboard, wardrobe, and so on.
Leaf Habit and Stem Hydraulic Traits Determine Functional Segregation of Multiple Oak Species along a Water Availability Gradient
Authors: Arenas-Navarro Maribel , García-Oliva Felipe , Terrazas Teresa , Torres-Miranda Andrés , Oyama Ken
Published: August 2020

Oaks are a dominant woody plant genus in the northern hemisphere that occupy a wide range of habitats and are ecologically diverse. We implemented a functional trait approach that included nine functional traits related to leaves and stems in order to explain the species coexistence of 21 oak species along a water availability gradient in a temperate forest in Mexico. This particular forest is characterized as a biodiversity hotspot, with many oak species including some endemics. Our main aim was to investigate whether the different oak species had specific trait associations that allow them to coexist along an environmental gradient at regional scale. First, we explored trait covariation and determined the main functional dimensions in which oaks were segregated. Second, we explored how environmental variation has selected for restricted functional dimensions that shape oak distributions along the gradient, regardless of their leaf life span or phylogeny (section level). Third, we quantified the niche overlap between the oak functional spaces at different levels. The analyzed species showed three functional dimensions of trait variation: a primary axis related to the leaf economic spectrum, which corresponds to the segregation of the species according to leaf habit; a second axis that reflects the stem hydraulic properties and corresponds to species segregation followed by phylogenetic segregation, reflecting some degree of trait conservatism, and a third axis, represented mainly by leaf area and plant height, that corresponds to species segregation. Finally, our findings indicated that the functional space measured with leaf traits and stem traits such as hydraulic capacity was integrally linked to niche differentiation. This linkage suggests that the earliest mechanism of species segregation was related to habitat suitability and that the stem hydraulic trade-off reflects differences between phylogenetic sections; these traits may promote coexistence between distantly related oak species.
Decline of European Beech in Austria: Involvement of Phytophthora spp. and Contributing Biotic and Abiotic Factors
Authors: Corcobado Tamara , Cech Thomas L. , Brandstetter Martin , Daxer Andreas , Hüttler Christine , Kudláček Tomáš , Horta Jung Marília , Jung Thomas
Published: August 2020

A severe decline and dieback of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) stands have been observed in Austria in recent decades. From 2008 to 2010, the distribution and diversity of Phytophthora species and pathogenic fungi and pests were surveyed in 34 beech forest stands in Lower Austria, and analyses performed to assess the relationships between Phytophthora presence and various parameters, i.e. root condition, crown damage, ectomycorrhizal abundance and site conditions. In total, 6464 trees were surveyed, and Phytophthora-associated collar rot and aerial bark cankers were detected on 133 trees (2.1%) in 25 stands (73.5%). Isolations tests were performed from 103 trees in 27 stands and seven Phytophthora species were isolated from bleeding bark cankers and/or from the rhizosphere soil of 49 trees (47.6%) in 25 stands (92.6%). The most common species were P. ×cambivora (16 stands) followed by P. plurivora (eight stands) and P. cactorum (four stands), while P. gonapodyides, P. syringae, P. psychrophila and P. tubulina were each found in only one stand. Geological substrate had a significant effect on the distribution of P. ×cambivora and P. plurivora while P. cactorum showed no site preferences. In addition, 21 fungal species were identified on beech bark, of which 19 and five species were associated with collar rot and aerial bark cankers, respectively. Four tested fine root parameters showed differences between declining and non-declining beech trees in both Phytophthora-infested and Phytophthora-free stands. In both stand categories, ectomycorrhizal frequency of fine root tips was significantly higher in non-declining than in declining trees. This study confirmed the involvement of Phytophthora species in European beech decline and underlines the need of more research on the root condition of beech stands and other biotic and abiotic factors interacting with Phytophthora infections or causing beech decline in absence of Phytophthora.
Japanese Quince (Chaenomeles japonica) as a Potential Source of Phenols: Optimization of the Extraction Parameters and Assessment of Antiradical and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Urbanavičiūtė Ieva , Liaudanskas Mindaugas , Bobinas Česlovas , Šarkinas Antanas , Rezgienė Aistė , Viskelis Pranas
Published: August 2020

The value of fruits is determined by the quantity and variety of biologically active compounds they contain, and their benefits on human health. This work presents the first study of the biochemical composition and antibacterial activity of the new Japanese quince (JQ) cultivars ‘Darius’, ‘Rondo’, and ‘Rasa’ fruits. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and each compound was identified by HPLC High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The antimicrobial activity against three Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacteria, and one yeast strain, was evaluated by the agar well diffusion method using three different concentrations. The free radical scavenging activity was determined using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) methods and ranged from 99.1 to 115.9 μmolTE/100 g, and from 372 to 682 μmolTE/100 g, respectively. TPC ranged from 3906 to 4550 mgGAE/100 g, and five compounds, isoquercitrin, rutin, (+)-catechin, (–)-epicatechin, and chlorogenic acid were identified. All JQ extracts possessed antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) was the most sensitive strain. These results indicate that JQ fruits are a significant source of bio-compounds, which can enrich the diet with strong antioxidants, and they are very promising as a substitute for chemical preservatives in the food and cosmetic industry.
Comparison of Batch and Continuous Wet-Processing of Coffee: Changes in the Main Compounds in Beans, By-Products and Wastewater
Authors: Figueroa Campos Gustavo A. , Sagu Sorel Tchewonpi , Saravia Celis Pedro , Rawel Harshadrai M.
Published: August 2020

Many technical challenges still need to be overcome to improve the quality of the green coffee beans. In this work, the wet Arabica coffee processing in batch and continuous modus were investigated. Coffee beans samples as well as by-products and wastewaters collected at different production steps were analyzed in terms of their content in total phenols, antioxidant capacity, caffeine content, organic acids, reducing sugars, free amino group and protein content. The results showed that 40% of caffeine was removed with pulp. Green coffee beans showed highest concentration of organic acids and sucrose (4.96 ± 0.25 and 5.07 ± 0.39 g/100 g DW for the batch and continuous processing). Batch green coffee beans contained higher amount of phenols. 5-caffeoylquinic Acid (5-CQA) was the main constituent (67.1 and 66.0% for the batch and continuous processing, respectively). Protein content was 15 and 13% in the green coffee bean in batch and continuous processing, respectively. A decrease of 50 to 64% for free amino groups during processing was observed resulting in final amounts of 0.8 to 1.4% in the processed beans. Finally, the batch processing still revealed by-products and wastewater with high nutrient content encouraging a better concept for valorization.
Energy Density and Nutrient Contents of Selective Chinese New Year Snacks
Authors: Yeo Michelle Ting Yun , Yeo Penny Liu Qing , Bi Xinyan , Henry Christiani Jeyakumar
Published: August 2020

Background: In this study, the energy density and nutrient contents of thirty Chinese New Year (CNY) snacks commonly consumed in the Asian region during the CNY festive season were measured. Methods: Calorie Answer™, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were the main methods applied in this study. Results: All snacks showed high energy density (kJ/100 g) and the nutrient content, including macro-and micronutrients of these snacks were remarkably different. The most abundant minerals in these snacks include sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1) and linoleic (C18:2) acids were the main fatty acids and trans-fat was only identified in Butter cookies. Conclusions: This study provides a large database on macro- and micronutrient contents in CNY snacks consumed in the Asian region that has not been previously reported. Our results indicate that the snacks were generally energy-dense and nutrient-poor. This study provides necessary information to enable the reformulation of snacks with lower saturated fat and sodium content. It is also a source of information for consumers to select healthier snacks.
Combined PTPN11 and MYBPC3 Gene Mutations in an Adult Patient with Noonan Syndrome and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Caiazza Martina , Rubino Marta , Monda Emanuele , Passariello Annalisa , Fusco Adelaide , Cirillo Annapaola , Esposito Augusto , Pierno Anna , De Fazio Federica , Pacileo Roberta , Evangelista Eloisa , Pacileo Giuseppe , Russo Maria Giovanna , Limongelli Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

In this report, an atypical case of Noonan syndrome (NS) associated with sarcomeric hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in a 33-year-old patient was described. Genetic testing revealed two different disease-causing mutations: a mutation in the PTPN11 gene, explaining NS, and a mutation in the MYBPC3 gene, known to be associated with HCM. This case exemplifies the challenge in achieving a definite etiological diagnosis in patients with HCM and the need to exclude other diseases mimicking this condition (genocopies or phenocopies). Compound heterozygous mutations are rare but possible in HCM patients. In conclusion, this study highlights the important role of genetic testing as a necessary diagnostic tool for performing a definitive etiological diagnosis of HCM.
Whole Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2: Adapting Illumina Protocols for Quick and Accurate Outbreak Investigation during a Pandemic
Authors: Pillay Sureshnee , Giandhari Jennifer , Tegally Houriiyah , Wilkinson Eduan , Chimukangara Benjamin , Lessells Richard , Moosa Yunus , Mattison Stacey , Gazy Inbal , Fish Maryam , Singh Lavanya , Khanyile Khulekani Sedwell , San James Emmanuel , Fonseca Vagner , Giovanetti Marta , Alcantara Luiz Carlos , de Oliveira Tulio
Published: August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread very fast around the world. A few days after the first detected case in South Africa, an infection started in a large hospital outbreak in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Phylogenetic analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomes can be used to trace the path of transmission within a hospital. It can also identify the source of the outbreak and provide lessons to improve infection prevention and control strategies. This manuscript outlines the obstacles encountered in order to genotype SARS-CoV-2 in near-real time during an urgent outbreak investigation. This included problems with the length of the original genotyping protocol, unavailability of reagents, and sample degradation and storage. Despite this, three different library preparation methods for Illumina sequencing were set up, and the hands-on library preparation time was decreased from twelve to three hours, which enabled the outbreak investigation to be completed in just a few weeks. Furthermore, the new protocols increased the success rate of sequencing whole viral genomes. A simple bioinformatics workflow for the assembly of high-quality genomes in near-real time was also fine-tuned. In order to allow other laboratories to learn from our experience, all of the library preparation and bioinformatics protocols are publicly available at protocols.io and distributed to other laboratories of the Network for Genomics Surveillance in South Africa (NGS-SA) consortium.
Generation of Marker-Free pbd-2 Knock-in Pigs Using the CRISPR/Cas9 and Cre/loxP Systems
Authors: Huang Jing , Wang Antian , Huang Chao , Sun Yufan , Song Bingxiao , Zhou Rui , Li Lu
Published: August 2020

Porcine β-defensin 2 (PBD-2), expressed by different tissues of pigs, is a multifunctional cationic peptide with antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and growth-promoting abilities. As the latest generation of genome-editing tool, CRISPR/Cas9 system makes it possible to enhance the expression of PBD-2 in pigs by site-specific knock-in of pbd-2 gene into the pig genome. In this study, we aimed to generate marker-free pbd-2 knock-in pigs using the CRISPR/Cas9 and Cre/loxP systems. Two copies of pbd-2 gene linked by a T2A sequence were inserted into the porcine Rosa26 locus through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homology-directed repair. The floxed selectable marker gene neoR, used for G418 screening of positive cell clones, was removed by cell-penetrating Cre recombinase with a recombination efficiency of 48.3%. Cloned piglets were produced via somatic cell nuclear transfer and correct insertion of pbd-2 genes was confirmed by PCR and Southern blot. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses indicated that expression levels of PBD-2 in different tissues of transgenic (TG) piglets were significantly higher than those of their wild-type (WT) littermates. Bactericidal assays demonstrated that there was a significant increase in the antimicrobial properties of the cell culture supernatants of porcine ear fibroblasts from the TG pigs in comparison to those from the WT pigs. Altogether, our study improved the protein expression level of PBD-2 in pigs by site-specific integration of pbd-2 into the pig genome, which not only provided an effective pig model to study the anti-infection mechanisms of PBD-2 but also a promising genetic material for the breeding of disease-resistant pigs.
The Level of Health Literacy of Seniors Living in Eastern Region of Poland. Preliminary Study
Authors: Kosicka Bogumiła , Deluga Alina , Bąk Jadwiga , Chałdaś-Majdańska Justyna , Bieniak Monika , Machul Michał , Chrzan-Rodak Agnieszka , Jurek Krzysztof , Dobrowolska Beata
Published: August 2020

Health literacy (HL) is recognised as an important, modifiable factor in the self-management and health performance of elderly people. The aim of this preliminary study was to identify and analyse the level of health literacy among the elderly living in one of the eastern regions in Poland. The cross-sectional study was conducted among a convenience sample of 200 seniors aged 65+ after cognitive pre-screening with the use of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scale. To collect data, the Polish version of the HLS-EU-Q47 was used. More than half of the elderly surveyed presented problematic levels of general HL (GEN-HL), and also problematic levels of other dimensions: health care health literacy (HC-HL), disease prevention health literacy (DP-HL), and health promotion health literacy (HP-HL). The level of seniors’ HL is dependent on the level of their education, place of living, participation in activities run by Daily Center for the Elderly, and their self-assessment of health condition (p < 0.05). These results imply the important message that there is a need to create initiatives and programs improving health literacy targeted at seniors living in rural areas, those with lower levels of education, and those with poor access to activities organised by institutions supporting seniors.
How Do Patients and Doctors Perceive Medical Services for Rare Diseases Differently in China? Insights from Two National Surveys
Authors: Gong Shiwei , Li Dehe , Dong Dong
Published: August 2020

Background: Increasing attention is being paid to improve the quality of life of patients with rare diseases in China. However, we are currently unaware of the problems encountered in the medical services of rare diseases from the viewpoints of doctors and patients. This study addressed the differences in the perceived barriers of diagnosis and treatments for rare diseases between doctors and patients in China. Methods: Two independent cross-sectional surveys on the perception of Chinese doctors’ and patients’ experiences with rare diseases were launched online between January and February 2018. A non-probability, convenience sampling method was employed to recruit participants. Results: In all, 45 rare diseases were reported by 139 doctors and 1853 patients. Patients with rare diseases faced significantly more difficulties in receiving accurate diagnosis (72.0%) and accessing information related to diagnosis and treatment (77.3%) as compared with doctors (34.5% and 40.3%, p < 0.0001, respectively). Specially, patients felt more difficulties than doctors in obtaining sustainable treatment for rare diseases (84.3% vs. 49.6%, p < 0.001). A higher percentage of patients (58.7%) than that of doctors (39.1%) had concerns in terms of the affordability of drugs. Further, 66.3% patients claimed that the drugs used to treat their conditions were not covered by their current medical insurances, whereas only 21.6% for doctors (p < 0.0001). Moreover, 35.3% of doctors responded that they recommended patients to visit the specialist they knew or were acquainted with, whereas 30.0% of patients said that their doctors chose to treat them based on their past experiences (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The perceived experience of patients with regard to diagnosis and treatment was significantly different from that of doctors. An integrated medical service platform should be established to facilitate better communication and mutual understanding of rare diseases between patients and doctors.
What Is the Amount of China’s Building Floor Space from 1996 to 2014?
Authors: Pan Linwei , Zhu Minglei , Lang Ningning , Huo Tengfei
Published: August 2020

The amount of building floor space (BFS) plays a key role in the energy and material demand prediction. Unfortunately, BFS estimation has faced the challenge of ineffective and inadequate approaches, and thus reliable data concerning China’s BFS is unavailable. This study proposes a new estimation method for China’s BFS and then estimates historical BFS by type in China from 1996 to 2014. The results show that total Chinese BFS grew from 28.1 billion m2 in 1996 to 61.3 billion m2 in 2014, increasing more than twice, with an annual growth rate of 4.4% from 1996 to 2014. During 1996–2014, urban residential BFS witnessed the highest annual increase rate (9.3%), while the growth rate for commercial and rural residential BFS was lower: 4.4% and 1.6%, respectively. By comparing with available statistics data, this study finds the model deviations are well below 5%, which indicates the reliability of the proposed method and robustness of the results. The proposed method not only can address the deficiencies of statistic yearbook and overcome the shortages of previous estimation approaches but also can derive more accurate and reliable data. This study lays a sound basis for the following study on building stock and building energy efficiency work.
A Scoping Review of Respirator Literature and a Survey among Dental Professionals
Authors: Farronato Marco , Boccalari Elisa , Del Rosso Ettore , Lanteri Valentina , Mulder Riaan , Maspero Cinzia
Published: August 2020

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus was discovered in China in late 2019 and subsequently triggered a global pandemic. Dentists, like many other health professionals, are at an increased risk of contracting the virus as they work in close proximity to patients, especially when performing aerosol-generating procedures. Thus, in order for dentists to protect themselves and their patients, it is recommended that practitioners wear filtering facepiece 2 (FFP2) respirators. The prolonged use of these FFP2 respirators has been linked to several side effects. The aim of this paper is to assess the perceived experience associated with N95/FFP2 respirators based on the available literature and data collected through an online survey completed by Italian dental professionals. Articles were included up to May 2020 and literature searches were conducted through The National Library of Medicine, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Embase databases. The search terms included COVID-19, respirators, masks, and discomfort. An online survey was administered to 256 Italian dentists. The results from this survey were in agreement with the available literature. The findings concurred that the prolonged use of respirators was associated with headaches (47.5%), severe exertion and discomfort (50.8%), moderate concentration problems (54.3%), moderate breathing difficulties (63.5%), and consequently, an impaired work ability (85.5%). These findings were not influenced by the number of hours spent wearing the respirator. Despite several side effects, FFP2 respirators are fundamental in protecting dentists and their importance was acknowledged.
A Proposed Planning Concept for Public Open Space Provision in Saudi Arabia: A Study of Three Saudi Cities
Authors: Addas Abdullah , Maghrabi Ahmad
Published: August 2020

Public open spaces (POS) have an essential positive impact on cities and their residents. These spaces play a critical role in enhancing users’ physical, mental, and social wellbeing. In addition, POS improve city resilience and economic value, and act as part of the city’s visual amenities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is taking many approaches to enhance quality of life in all its cities through initiatives such as increasing the POS area per capita. Several studies have examined the importance of the accessibility of POS in addressing users’ needs. In this study, we measured the per capita area and accessibility of POS in the three megacities Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. We also collected data on user preferences for the use of POS through semi-structured interviews, observations, and an online questionnaire. This study suggests that the country needs to establish its own POS planning approach based on users’ desires and behaviors when using POS, as well as the country’s social characteristics, and to depend not only on standard international planning approaches. The paper recommends considering the possibility of increasing POS by creating typologies of these spaces based on each city’s landscape characteristics. This proposal will have a major impact on city planning and design in Saudi Arabia. In addition, it will make the Saudi cities livable and have a positive impact on the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of the population.
COVID-19 Lockdown: Housing Built Environment’s Effects on Mental Health
Authors: Amerio Andrea , Brambilla Andrea , Morganti Alessandro , Aguglia Andrea , Bianchi Davide , Santi Francesca , Costantini Luigi , Odone Anna , Costanza Alessandra , Signorelli Carlo , Serafini Gianluca , Amore Mario , Capolongo Stefano
Published: August 2020

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak a pandemic on 11 March, severe lockdown measures have been adopted by the Italian Government. For over two months of stay-at-home orders, houses became the only place where people slept, ate, worked, practiced sports, and socialized. As consolidated evidence exists on housing as a determinant of health, it is of great interest to explore the impact that COVID-19 response-related lockdown measures have had on mental health and well-being. We conducted a large web-based survey on 8177 students from a university institute in Milan, Northern Italy, one of the regions most heavily hit by the pandemic in Europe. As emerged from our analysis, poor housing is associated with increased risk of depressive symptoms during lockdown. In particular, living in apartments <60 m2 with poor views and scarce indoor quality is associated with, respectively, 1.31 (95% CI: 1046–1637), 1.368 (95% CI: 1166–1605), and 2.253 (95% CI: 1918–2647) times the risk of moderate–severe and severe depressive symptoms. Subjects reporting worsened working performance from home were over four times more likely to also report depression (OR = 4.28, 95% CI: 3713–4924). Housing design strategies should focus on larger and more livable living spaces facing green areas. We argue that a strengthened multi-interdisciplinary approach, involving urban planning, public mental health, environmental health, epidemiology, and sociology, is needed to investigate the effects of the built environment on mental health, so as to inform welfare and housing policies centered on population well-being.
Evaluation of Safety in Horizontal Curves of Roads Using a Multi-Body Dynamic Simulation Process
Authors: Abdollahzadeh Nasiri Amir Saman , Rahmani Omid , Abdi Kordani Ali , Karballaeezadeh Nader , Mosavi Amir
Published: August 2020

Road transportation poses one of the significant public health risks. Several contributors and factors strongly link public health and road safety. The design and advancement of higher-quality roads can significantly contribute to safer roads and save lives. In this article, the safety aspect of the roads’ horizontal curves under the standard of the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) is evaluated. Several factors, including vehicle weight, vehicle dimensions, longitudinal grades, and vehicle speed in the geometric design of the horizontal curves, are investigated through a multi-body dynamic simulation process. According to the AASHTO, a combination of simple circular and clothoid transition curves with various longitudinal upgrades and downgrades was designed. Three vehicles were used in this simulation, including a sedan, a bus, and a 3-axle truck. The analysis was based on the lateral friction between the tire and the pavement and also the safety margin parameter. The results showed that designers must differentiate between light and heavy vehicles, especially in curves with a high radius. Evaluation of longitudinal grade impacts indicated that the safety margin decreases when the vehicle is entering the curve. Safety margin reduction on the clothoid curve takes place with a lower grade toward the simple circular curve. By increasing the speed, the difference between lateral friction demand obtained from simulation and lateral friction demand proposed by AASHTO grows. The proposed novel methodology can be used for evaluating road safety.
Evaluating the Mutual Relationship between IPAT/Kaya Identity Index and ODIAC-Based GOSAT Fossil-Fuel CO2 Flux: Potential and Constraints in Utilizing Decomposed Variables
Authors: Hwang YoungSeok , Um Jung-Sup , Schlüter Stephan
Published: August 2020

The IPAT/Kaya identity is the most popular index used to analyze the driving forces of individual factors on CO2 emissions. It represents the CO2 emissions as a product of factors, such as the population, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, energy intensity of the GDP, and carbon footprint of energy. In this study, we evaluated the mutual relationship of the factors of the IPAT/Kaya identity and their decomposed variables with the fossil-fuel CO2 flux, as measured by the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT). We built two regression models to explain this flux; one using the IPAT/Kaya identity factors as the explanatory variables and the other one using their decomposed factors. The factors of the IPAT/Kaya identity have less explanatory power than their decomposed variables and comparably low correlation with the fossil-fuel CO2 flux. However, the model using the decomposed variables shows significant multicollinearity. We performed a multivariate cluster analysis for further investigating the benefits of using the decomposed variables instead of the original factors. The results of the cluster analysis showed that except for the M factor, the IPAT/Kaya identity factors are inadequate for explaining the variations in the fossil-fuel CO2 flux, whereas the decomposed variables produce reasonable clusters that can help identify the relevant drivers of this flux.
The Interactive Effects between Particulate Matter and Heat Waves on Circulatory Mortality in Fuzhou, China
Authors: Ji Shumi , Zhou Quan , Jiang Yu , He Chenzhou , Chen Yu , Wu Chuancheng , Liu Baoying
Published: August 2020

The interactive effects between particulate matter (PM) and heat waves on circulatory mortality are under-researched in the context of global climate change. We aimed to investigate the interaction between heat waves and PM on circulatory mortality in Fuzhou, a city characterized by a humid subtropical climate and low level of air pollution in China. We collected data on deaths, pollutants, and meteorology in Fuzhou between January 2016 and December 2019. Generalized additive models were used to examine the effect of PM on circulatory mortality during the heat waves, and to explore the interaction between different PM levels and heat waves on the circulatory mortality. During heat waves, circulatory mortality was estimated to increase by 8.21% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.32–16.72) and 3.84% (95% CI: 0.28–7.54) per 10 μg/m3 increase of PM2.5 and PM10, respectively, compared to non-heat waves. Compared with low-level PM2.5 concentration on non-heat waves layer, the high level of PM2.5 concentration on heat waves layer has a significant effect on the cardiovascular mortality, and the effect value was 48.35% (95% CI: 6.37–106.89). Overall, we found some evidence to suggest that heat waves can significantly enhance the impact of PM on circulatory mortality.
How Does Part-Time Farming Affect Farmers’ Adoption of Conservation Agriculture in Jianghan Plain, China?
Authors: Yang Xin , Sang Yiming
Published: August 2020

Part-time farming has been suggested by scholars to play an important part in farmers’ decision making, but seldom empirical evidence has been done on the field of conservation agriculture (CA) technology adoption worldwide. Based on the field survey data of 433 farmers in Jianghan Plain, China, this paper estimate the impact of part-time farming on farmers’ adoption of CA technology by applying the multivariate logistic model. The results show that 91.92% of the farmers adopted CA technology. Part-time farming had a highly significant positive influence on the likelihood of adoption. Moreover, the impact degree increased along with the deepening of part-time farming. In addition, farmers’ adoption behaviors were affected by gender, contracted land area, economic welfare cognition and social welfare cognition. Our results help to understand farmers’ complex decision-making on farmland and to promote the sustainable development of agriculture in Jianghan Plain. A somewhat targeted approach to design policies to support technological, policy and institutional interventions to encourage farmers to engage in part-time farming are recommended, especially in areas that share similar edaphic and climatic characteristics with Jianghan Plain.
Short and Long-Term Trainability in Older Adults: Training and Detraining Following Two Years of Multicomponent Cognitive—Physical Exercise Training
Authors: Blasco-Lafarga Cristina , Cordellat Ana , Forte Anabel , Roldán Ainoa , Monteagudo Pablo
Published: August 2020

Despite the benefits of multicomponent physical–cognitive training programs (MCCogTPs), lower training intensities in the concurrent approach, and bigger heterogeneity with aging, suggest the need for long-term analyses, with special attention to training and detraining in older adults. The present study aims to examine these training/detraining effects in a two year MCCogTP, looking for specific dynamics in the trainability of their physical and cognitive capacities. The intervention was divided into four periods: T1, T2 (8 months of training each), and D1, D2 (3.5 months of detraining plus 0.5 of testing each). Twenty-five healthy seniors (70.82 ± 5.18 years) comprised the final sample and were assessed for cardiovascular fitness (6-minutes walking test), lower-limbs strength (30-seconds chair-stand test) and agility (8-feet timed up-and-go test). Inhibition (Stroop test) was considered for executive function. Physical and cognitive status improved significantly (p < 0.05) throughout the two years, with larger enhancements for physical function (mainly strength and agility). Strength and cardiovascular fitness were more sensitive to detraining, whilst agility proved to have larger training retentions. Inhibition followed an initial similar trend, but it was the only variable to improve along D2 (d = 0.52), and changes were not significant within periods. Notwithstanding aging, and the exercise cessation in D2, physical and cognitive status remained enhanced two years later compared to baseline, except for lower-limb strength. According to these results, basic physical capacities are very sensitive to training/detraining, deserving continuous attention (especially strength). Both reducing detraining periods and complementary resistance training should be considered. Additionally, physical enhancements following MCcogTPs may help cognition maintenance during detraining.
Cycle of Perpetual Vulnerability for Women Facing Homelessness near an Urban Library in a Major U.S. Metropolitan Area
Authors: Li Janny S. , Urada Lianne A.
Published: August 2020

Background: Homelessness among women and the multiple vulnerabilities they endure (sexual exploitation/human trafficking, violence, and mental health issues) is a perpetually unresolved issue in the U.S. and globally. Methods: This study is based on qualitative in-depth interviews accompanied by brief socio-demographic surveys conducted among 32 total participants, consisting of cisgender females (n = 17) and cisgender males (n = 15) experiencing homelessness at a large public library. Results: Of the women, 35% were White, 35% Latina, 18% African American/Black, and 18% LGBT. Half of all participants said in qualitative interviews that they witnessed violence against women, and/or experienced unwanted harassment/sexual exploitation; one in three described suspected human trafficking. Of the women interviewed, half struggled with mental health symptoms, feelings of hopelessness, and nearly all reported isolation; approximately one-third had substance use issues. Many described an inadequate number of emergency and long-term shelters Available for women facing homelessness; many had to wait or saw other women waiting to get into shelters and faced abuse on the streets in the meantime. Conclusion: The emergent themes showed that women face a “cycle of perpetual vulnerability” with three relational pathways: iterated trauma from chronic abuse/violence inflicted on them, a state of paralysis due to inadequate availability of supportive services, shelters, and mental health resources to cover all women living on the streets, leaving women susceptible to being a target phenotype for predators.
Career Adaptability Research: A Literature Review with Scientific Knowledge Mapping in Web of Science
Authors: Chen Huaruo , Fang Tingting , Liu Fan , Pang Liman , Wen Ya , Chen Shi , Gu Xueying
Published: August 2020

With the rapid development of society and technology, personal adaptability is becoming more and more important. Learning how to adapt to a changing world is becoming one of the necessary conditions for success. Career adaptability can help individuals to smoothly adapt to changes when coping with their career roles, and maintain their ability to balance their career roles, which will affect their important psychological resources for career development and achieve more meaning in life. In recent years, career adaptability has gradually attracted the attention of researchers. Therefore, in order to explore the main factors, such as research focus, the main researchers, its evolution, and the important results of career adaptability in the last ten years, this study used the scientific knowledge mapping software CiteSpace as a research tool, and select related articles from the Web of Science between 2010 to 2020 under the theme of “career adaptability” for data analysis, which can help future researchers to understand current and future career adaptability research and control the research direction of career adaptability. The results of this research indicate that there are direct or indirect connections between different themes, such as the career adaptability scale, career construction, positive personalities, and so on, but few articles integrate multiple research topics. At the same time, the main researchers, research frontiers and network relationships were also obtained. Based on the above findings, the correlative main concept, theoretical structure, evolution, and research progress of career adaptability in the past ten years are discussed.
The Phenotype of Elderly Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Poor Sleep Quality
Authors: Mikołajczyk-Solińska Melania , Śliwińska Agnieszka , Kosmalski Marcin , Drzewoski Józef
Published: August 2020

Background: Sleep disturbances are a common problem among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the study was to identify the phenotype of T2DM patients with poor sleep quality. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted between May 2013 and August 2015. One hundred and sixty consecutive patients with T2DM: 74 women and 86 men, with a median age of 69.50 years (59.00; 79.50 years) were enrolled in the study. Sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Results: Poor sleep quality was noted in 85 (53%) patients. Sleep disorders were associated with older age, as well as female gender, longer duration of diabetes, lower level of fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c, estimated glomerular filtration rate, triglycerides, waist-to-hip ratio, and the presence of nephropathy. A multivariate logistic regression revealed that sleep disorders were associated with older age (Odd Ratio (OR) = 1.11, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.07–1.15). Fifty-one patients (31.87%) were treated with sleeping pills. We found that older age, female gender, longer duration of diabetes, lower level of fasting plasma glucose, glycated hemoglobin A1c, estimated glomerular filtration rate, triglycerides, and the presence of nephropathy were linked with more frequent usage of hypnotics. A multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that older age (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.05–1.14) and nephropathy (OR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.24–6.28) were associated with a more frequent receiving the hypnotics, whereas male gender (OR = 0.30, 95% CI 0.13–0.71) has less frequent hypnotics usage. Conclusion: Although, we assessed a wide range of patients’ characteristics, age had the most negative impact on the quality of sleep in patients with T2DM. We detected more frequent use of hypnotics in older females, with coexisting nephropathy.
Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of Jaws (MRONJ) Prevention and Diagnosis: Italian Consensus Update 2020
Authors: Campisi Giuseppina , Mauceri Rodolfo , Bertoldo Francesco , Bettini Giordana , Biasotto Matteo , Colella Giuseppe , Consolo Ugo , Di Fede Olga , Favia Gianfranco , Fusco Vittorio , Gabriele Mario , Lo Casto Antonio , Lo Muzio Lorenzo , Marcianò Antonia , Mascitti Marco , Meleti Marco , Mignogna Michele D. , Oteri Giacomo , Panzarella Vera , Romeo Umberto , Santarelli Andrea , Vescovi Paolo , Marchetti Claudio , Bedogni Alberto
Published: August 2020

The Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of Jaws (MRONJ) diagnosis process and its prevention play a role of great and rising importance, not only on the Quality of Life (QoL) of patients, but also on the decision-making process by the majority of dentists and oral surgeons involved in MRONJ prevention (primary and secondary). The present paper reports the update of the conclusions from the Consensus Conference—held at the Symposium of the Italian Society of Oral Pathology and Medicine (SIPMO) (20 October 2018, Ancona, Italy)—after the newest recommendations (2020) on MRONJ were published by two scientific societies (Italian Societies of Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Pathology and Medicine, SICMF and SIPMO), written on the inputs of the experts of the Italian Allied Committee on ONJ (IAC-ONJ). The conference focused on the topic of MRONJ, and in particular on the common practices at risk of inappropriateness in MRONJ diagnosis and therapy, as well as on MRONJ prevention and the dental management of patients at risk of MRONJ. It is a matter of cancer and osteometabolic patients that are at risk since being exposed to several drugs with antiresorptive (i.e., bisphosphonates and denosumab) or, more recently, antiangiogenic activities. At the same time, the Conference traced for dentists and oral surgeons some easy applicable indications and procedures to reduce MRONJ onset risk and to diagnose it early. Continuous updating on these issues, so important for the patient community, is recommended.
A Nationwide Network to Provide Supervised Exercise Therapy and Lifestyle Counseling for All Patients with Non-Communicable Diseases: Chronic CareNet
Authors: Sinnige Anneroos , Sliepen Maik , Scheltinga Marc R. , Teijink Joep A.W.
Published: August 2020

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major cause of disability and mortality worldwide. Physical inactivity is an important contributor to the development of NCDs. Increasing physical activity through supervised exercise therapy (SET) is proven to be effective, and is a key component in both the prevention and treatment of most NCDs. However, only a minority of patients with NCDs receive this treatment, mainly due to an insufficient number and poor accessibility of specialized physical therapists. The aim of this article is to describe a solution that, if indicated, enables all patients with NCDs in the Netherlands to receive SET by a specialized physical therapist: Chronic CareNet. Chronic CareNet is a nationwide network of specialized physical therapists, providing high quality SET and lifestyle counselling to patients with NCDs, initially focusing on peripheral arterial disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coronary heart disease. The network evolved from ClaudicatioNet. In order to monitor quality of care, therapists enroll in a continuous educational program, and process and outcome indicators are collected by all therapists, which can be compared with a nationwide benchmark (quality system). A robust infrastructure of information and communication technology provides an online care finder and referral system to locate and refer to nearby therapists. All elements of Chronic CareNet are essential, to ensure that all patients in the Netherlands have access to a nearby specialized therapist.