bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of a Hybrid Multi-Criterion Decision-Making Model for Evaluation and Improvement of Nurses' Job Satisfaction
Authors: Liu Chao , Zhou Huili , Jin Yanjun , Chuang Yen-Ching , Chien Ching-Wen , Tung Tao-Hsin
Published: July 2022

Background

The global shortage and turnover of nurses is a current challenge. Past studies have shown that nurse job satisfaction may ameliorate nurse shortage. Although there are many studies on the criteria influencing nurses' job satisfaction, few have examined the causal relationships and weight of each criterion from a systematic perspective.

Objective

Identify the key criteria and causal relationships that affect nurses' job satisfaction, and help nurse leaders identify high-weight, high-impact dimensions and contextualize them for improvement.

Methods

The study developed a hybrid multi-criterion decision-making model, which incorporated the McCloskey/Mueller satisfaction 13-item scale (MMSS-13), and the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory and the Importance-Performance Analysis methods the model was used to analyze key factors of nurse satisfaction and their interrelationships based on the experience of 15 clinical nurse specialists.

Results

In MMSS-13's dimension level, “satisfaction with work conditions and supervisor support” (C5) had the highest impact, and “satisfaction with salary and benefits” (C1) had the highest weight. In criteria level, “salary” (C11), “flexibility in scheduling time off” (C24), “maternity leave time” (C31), “opportunities for social contact after work” (C41), and “your head nurse or facility manager” (C51) had high influence under their corresponding dimensions. The “benefits package” (C13) was the top criterion with the highest impact on MMSS-13.

Conclusions

This study assessed nurses' job satisfaction from a multidimensional perspective and revealed the causal relationships between the dimensions. It refined the assessment of nurse job satisfaction to help nurse leaders better assess nurse job satisfaction and make strategic improvements. The study found that compensation and benefits had the highest weight in nurses' job satisfaction. Meanwhile, support for family responsibilities and working conditions, and support from supervisors were the cause dimensions of job satisfaction. Among the more detailed criteria, salary, benefits package, maternity leave time, and leadership had a greater impact on nurses' job satisfaction. Nurse leaders should start with these dimensions to achieve efficient improvement of nurses' job satisfaction.
The effect of human papillomavirus status on prognosis and local treatment strategies of T1-2N0 oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer
Authors: Zhou Ping , Chen Deng-Lin , Lian Chen-Lu , Wu San-Gang , Zhang Shi-Yang
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To explore the effect of human papillomavirus (HPV) status on prognosis and further investigate whether human papillomavirus (HPV) status has an impact on the local treatment strategies for T1-2N0 oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC) patients.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with T1-2N0 OPSCC between 2010 and 2015 were included from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Data were analyzed using propensity score matching (PSM), Chi-square test, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and Cox multivariable analyses.

Results

A total of 1,004 patients were identified, of whom 595 (59.3%) had HPV-related tumors. Of all the patients, 386 (38.4%) and 618 (61.6%) received definitive radiotherapy and radical surgery, respectively. HPV status had no significant effect on local treatment strategies for early-stage OPSCC (P = 0.817). The 3-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were 89.6 and 80.1%, respectively. Compared to those with HPV-negative diseases, patients with HPV-positive diseases had better CSS and OS. A total of 222 pairs of patients were completely matched after PSM. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that patients with HPV-positive disease had significantly better CSS (P = 0.001) and OS (P < 0.001) compared to those with HPV-negative tumors. However, local treatment strategy was not associated with survival outcomes after PSM (CSS, P = 0.771; OS, P = 0.440). The subgroup analysis showed comparable CSS and OS between those treated with radical surgery and definitive radiotherapy regardless of HPV status.

Conclusions

HPV status is an independent prognostic factor for the survival of stage T1-2N0 OPSCC patients. Local treatment strategies had no significant effect on the survival of early-stage OPSCC regardless of HPV status. Patients with early-stage OPSCC should be informed regarding the pros and cons of definitive radiotherapy or radical surgery.
Timely Estimates of 5-Year Relative Survival for Patients With Cervical Cancer: A Period Analysis Using Cancer Registry Data From Taizhou, Eastern China
Authors: Lu Hongsheng , Li Lu , Cheng Yongran , Yang Zhaohui , Cao Xuequan , Zhang Hui , Qiao Dongju , Wang Liangyou , Chen Tianhui
Published: July 2022

Objectives

While timely assessment of long-term survival for patients with cervical cancer is essential for the evaluation of early detection and screening programs for cervical cancer, those data are extremely scarce in China. We aimed to timely and accurately assess long-term survival for patients with cervical cancer in eastern China, using cancer registry data from Taizhou, eastern China.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with cervical cancer during 2004–2018 from four cancer registries with high-quality data from Taizhou, eastern China were included. A period analysis was used to calculate the 5-year relative survival (RS) overall and on stratification by sex, age at diagnosis, and region. Additionally, the projected 5-year relative survival (RS) of patients with cervical cancer during 2019–2023 was evaluated, using a model-based period analysis.

Results

Overall 5-year RS for patients with cervical cancer during 2014–2018 reached 90.9%. When stratified by age at diagnosis, we found a clear age gradient for 5-year RS, declining from 95.6% for age <45 years to 68.7% for age >74 years, while urban areas had higher 5-year RS compared to rural areas (92.9 vs. 88.6%). We found a clear increasing trend of 5-year RS during 2004–2018 overall and on stratification by region and age at diagnosis. The projected overall 5-year RS is expected to reach 94.2% for the period 2019–2023.

Conclusions

We found that, for the first time in China, using period analysis, the most up-to-date (during 2014–2018) 5-year RS for patients with cervical cancer reached 90.9%. Our data have important implications for the timely evaluation of early detection and screening programs for patients with cervical cancer in eastern China.
Contribution of Submicron Particles to the Unpolarized and Linearly Polarized Angular Scattering
Authors: Hu Lianbo , Zhang Xiaodong , Xiong Yuanheng
Published: July 2022

The scattering by suspended particles is being measured with increasing frequency in the global oceans. Yet, little is known of size fractioned contribution, particularly from submicron particles and to the polarized scattering. In this study, three Mueller scattering matrix elements, P11, P12, and P22, for the bulk particles and for size fractions <0.2 μm and <0.7/0.8 μm were measured using a commercial instrument LISST-VSF in the North Pacific Ocean in 2018 (NPO-18) and in the North Atlantic Ocean in 2021 (NAO-21). We found that P11 and P12 by particles <0.2 μm each had median value that was very similar between the two sites, even though the variability was greater in the NAO-21 than in the NPO-18. Relatively, particles <0.2 µm accounted for the same fraction of total particle scattering in P11 and P12, approximately 20% at near surface water and 40–60% at deeper depths. In contrast, P11 and P12 by particles <0.7/0.8 μm differed between the two sites, which we found was because particles of sizes 0.25–1.0 µm had greater concentration in the NAO-21 than in the NPO-18. P22 normalized to P11 indicated that the sphericity of particles was the same between submicron and bulk particles in the NPO-18 site, but bulk particles deviated more from sphericity than submicron particles in the NAO-21 site where the experiment took place during a phytoplankton spring bloom. Simulations were conducted using three particle models including homogenous spheres, mix of homogenous/coated spheres, and homogenous asymmetric hexahedra to account for the effects of particle shapes or internal structures on the polarized scattering. Using the size distribution that was measured, each of the models can reproduce some of the scattering features measured in this study, but neither of them can reproduce all. Our results suggest that accurate simulation of the polarized scattering by oceanic particles needs to account for both their nonsphericity and heterogeneity, in addition to the concentration and size distribution of the particles.
An investigation of the multi-dimensional (1D vs. 2D vs. 3D) analyses of EEG signals using traditional methods and deep learning-based methods
Authors: Shah Darshil , Gopan K. Gopika , Sinha Neelam
Published: July 2022

Electroencephalographic (EEG) signals are electrical signals generated in the brain due to cognitive activities. They are non-invasive and are widely used to assess neurodegenerative conditions, mental load, and sleep patterns. In this work, we explore the utility of representing the inherently single dimensional time-series in different dimensions such as 1D-feature vector, 2D-feature maps, and 3D-videos. The proposed methodology is applied to four diverse datasets: 1) EEG baseline, 2) mental arithmetic, 3) Parkinson’s disease, and 4) emotion dataset. For a 1D analysis, popular 1D features hand-crafted from the time-series are utilized for classification. This performance is compared against the data-driven approach of using raw time-series as the input to the deep learning framework. To assess the efficacy of 2D representation, 2D feature maps that utilize a combination of the Feature Pyramid Network (FPN) and Atrous Spatial Pyramid Pooling (ASPP) is proposed. This is compared against an approach utilizing a composite feature set consisting of 2D feature maps and 1D features. However, these approaches do not exploit spatial, spectral, and temporal characteristics simultaneously. To address this, 3D EEG videos are created by stacking spectral feature maps obtained from each sub-band per time frame in a temporal domain. The EEG videos are the input to a combination of the Convolution Neural Network (CNN) and Long–Short Term Memory (LSTM) for classification. Performances obtained using the proposed methodologies have surpassed the state-of-the-art for three of the classification scenarios considered in this work, namely, EEG baselines, mental arithmetic, and Parkinson’s disease. The video analysis resulted in 92.5% and 98.81% peak mean accuracies for the EEG baseline and EEG mental arithmetic, respectively. On the other hand, for distinguishing Parkinson’s disease from controls, a peak mean accuracy of 88.51% is achieved using traditional methods on 1D feature vectors. This illustrates that 3D and 2D feature representations are effective for those EEG data where topographical changes in brain activation regions are observed. However, in scenarios where topographical changes are not consistent across subjects of the same class, these methodologies fail. On the other hand, the 1D analysis proves to be significantly effective in the case involving changes in the overall activation of the brain due to varying degrees of deterioration.
Micro-Level Sustainability Transition Pathways of Institutional Food Services in France
Authors: Martin Guillaume , Pujos Lise , Magrini Marie-Benoit
Published: July 2022

Very few studies have dealt with sustainability transitions in the agrifood sector, especially in institutional food services (IFS), and notably at a micro level. Based on 29 interviews with head cooks in France, we characterized the micro-level sustainability transition pathways that institutional catering units have been following, taking essentially four sustainable practices into consideration: organic food use, ultra-processed food use, vegetarian meals and waste management. We identified four transition pathways according to the speed, size, dimensionality and time-period of changes in those practices. We showed how these pathways are linked to the diversity of transition contexts; internal (e.g., skills) and external (e.g., local suppliers) resources and constraints. This original empirical study revealed the diversity and feasibility of sustainability transition pathways in IFS. It also showed that they do not require unreasonable increases in resources. Positive narratives on transitions need developing, together with diagnosis tools to guide them.
Validation of the Padova Prognostic Score for Colitis in Predicting Long-Term Outcome After Restorative Proctocolectomy
Authors: Angriman Imerio , Colangelo Annaclaudia , Mescoli Claudia , Fassan Matteo , D’Incà Renata , Savarino Edoardo , Pucciarelli Salvatore , Bardini Romeo , Ruffolo Cesare , Scarpa Marco
Published: July 2022

Background

In 10%–20% of cases it is impossible to make a differential diagnosis between ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis. A 50% failure rate of J pouch ilea-anal anastomosis is observed in Crohn's colitis. In 2009, we created the Padua Prognostic Score for Colitis (PPSC) to predict the long-term clinical and functional outcome and quality of life of patients undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with J pouch. The aim of the present study is to establish and validate the accuracy of a prognostic score for chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Patient population and methods

The PPSC was created in 2009 by integrating clinical and histological information of patients undergoing RPC. It included preoperative perianal abscess or fistula, rectal sparing, terminal ileum involvement, skip lesions and histological diagnosis of indeterminate colitis or Crohn's colitis on the operative specimen. The validity of this score was tested in predicting postoperative abscess or fistula, anal canal disease, pouchitis, pouch failure and new diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Correlation analysis, ROC curve analysis and survival analysis were used to validate the PPSC in a different cohort from the previous one.

Results

We retrospectively enrolled in this study 138 consecutive patients undergoing CPR for ulcerative colitis (n = 127) or indeterminate colitis (n = 11) in our institution since 2005 to 2020. In this period, we observed 11 patients with postoperative abscess or fistula, 3 with anal canal disease, 40 with pouchitis, 6 with pouch failure and 6 with new diagnosis of Crohn's disease. In the new validation cohort, the PPSC confirmed to have a good accuracy in predicting the onset of postoperative CD (AUC = 74.5%, p = 0.018). Kaplan Meier curves demonstrate how a PPSC over 1 can reliably predicts the long-term onset of, pouchitis (p = 0.002) and anal abscess or fistulae (p = 0.04).

Conclusions

In this validation study we confirmed the accuracy of the PPSC in predicting postoperative fistulas or abscesses and pouchitis. Therefore, we believe that in clinical practice patients with a PPSC score greater than 1 should be warned of this risk of possible Crohn’s disease diagnosis and pouch failure.
Total Quality and Innovation Management in Healthcare (TQIM-H) for an Effective Innovation Development: A Conceptual Framework and Exploratory Study
Authors: Tonjang Suebsakul , Thawesaengskulthai Natcha
Published: July 2022

To thrive, an organization must adapt to the fast and constant change in the economic environment caused by an aging society, technological changes, and the pandemic crisis. Innovation becomes important for the adaptation of industries. Healthcare is one of them. Innovation development in hospitals is effective and acceptable when its management is effective and aligns with the healthcare quality context since quality is a philosophy of work in life-related settings. To the best of our knowledge, quality management and innovation management in healthcare have never been integrated. Therefore, this research aimed to create an integrated framework of quality and innovation management in healthcare (TQIM-H). To establish the effectiveness of applying TQIM-H for the development of effective healthcare innovation, this study developed a TQIM-H conceptual framework using multiple methodologies including a literature review, multiple case studies analysis, Delphi study with healthcare experts, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and triangulation with an external dataset. We constructed a TQIM-H conceptual framework, consisting of seven dimensions, that can be used in developing innovation projects in hospitals and which agrees with safety and quality principles in hospitals.
A Computationally Efficient Approach to Simulate Heart Rate Effects Using a Whole Human Heart Model
Authors: Yao Jiang , Chen Shawn , Guccione Julius M.
Published: July 2022

Computational modeling of the whole human heart has become a valuable tool to evaluate medical devices such as leadless pacemakers, annuloplasty rings and left ventricular assist devices, since it is often difficult to replicate the complex dynamic interactions between the device and human heart in bench-top and animal tests. The Dassault Systèmes Living Heart Human Model (LHHM) is a finite-element model of whole-human-heart electromechanics that has input parameters that were previously calibrated to generate physiological responses in a healthy heart beating at 60 beat/min (resting state). This study demonstrates that, by adjusting only six physiologically meaningful parameters, the LHHM can be recalibrated to generate physiological responses in a healthy heart beating at heart rates ranging from 90–160 beat/min. These parameters are as follows: the sinoatrial node firing period decreases from 0.67 s at 90 bpm to 0.38 s at 160 bpm, atrioventricular delay decreases from 0.122 s at 90 bpm to 0.057 s at 160 bpm, preload increases 3-fold from 90 bpm to 160 bpm, body resistance at 160 bpm is 80% of that at 90 bpm, arterial stiffness at 160 bpm is 3.9 times that at 90 bpm, and a parameter relating myofiber twitch force duration and sarcomere length decreases from 238 ms/mm at 90 bpm to 175 ms/mm at 160 bpm. In addition, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using the LHHM to conduct clinical investigations in AV delay optimization and hemodynamic differences between pacing and exercise. AV delays in the ranges of 40 ms to 250 ms were simulated and stroke volume and systolic blood pressure showed clear peaks at 120 ms for 90 bpm. For a heart during exercise, the increase in cardiac output continues to 160 bpm. However, for a heart during pacing, those physiological parameter adjustments are removed that are related to changes in body oxygen requirements (preload, arterial stiffness and body resistance). Consequently, cardiac output increases initially with heart rate; as the heart rate goes up (>100 bpm), the increasing rate of cardiac output slows down and approaches a plateau.
Lower Limb Biomechanics during the Topspin Forehand in Table Tennis: A Systemic Review
Authors: He Yuqi , Fekete Gusztáv , Sun Dong , Baker Julien S. , Shao Shirui , Gu Yaodong
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study is to review the valuable lower limb biomechanical contribution to table tennis topspin forehand. Databases included Scopus, PubMed, and Web of science. In this case, 19 articles were selected for the systematic review. The mechanics of the plantar, lower limb joints kinematics and kinetics, muscle activity, and racket-joint relationship are described through gender, performance level, and footwork. The study found that the hip movement characteristics and the hip muscle group activity following a proximal-to-distal sequence strategy significantly contributed to the maximum acceleration of the racket. Optimizing the motion strategy of the ankle and plantar as well as the ankle muscle group activity is beneficial for the transmission of energy in the kinetic chain. Muscle groups around the ankle and subtalar joints are heavily activated during landing to maintain foot stability during the landing phase. Lower limb muscle development plays an important role in movement control and stability as well as sports injury prevention in table tennis footwork during the performance of the topspin forehand. Furthermore, physical development levels and anatomical differences (such as hip and lower trunk muscle strength differences), maybe the main reasons for gender differences observed during the topspin forehand. Systematically summarizing this valuable information can contribute to athletes’ and coaches’ knowledge to enhance topspin forehand performance and training regimes. We suggest that future research could consider the joint contact forces, ball movement, and ball-racket impact during a performance of topspin forehand.
Structure and Strength of Bovine and Equine Amniotic Membrane
Authors: Wells Hannah C. , Sizeland Katie H. , Kirby Nigel , Haverkamp Richard G.
Published: July 2022

Thin, strong scaffold materials are needed for surgical applications. New materials are required, particularly those readily available, such as from non-human sources. Bovine amniotic membrane (antepartum) and equine amniotic membrane (postpartum) were characterized with tear and tensile tests. The structural arrangement of the collagen fibrils was determined by small-angle X-ray scattering, scanning electron microscopy, and ultrasonic imaging. Bovine amnion had a thickness-normalized tear strength of 12.6 (3.8) N/mm, while equine amnion was 14.8 (5.3) N/mm. SAXS analysis of the collagen fibril arrangement yielded an orientation index of 0.587 (0.06) and 0.681 (0.05) for bovine and equine, respectively. This may indicate a relationship between more highly aligned collagen fibrils and greater strength, as seen in other materials. Amnion from bovine or equine sources are strong, thin, elastic materials, although weaker than other collagen tissue materials commonly used, that may find application in surgery as an alternative to material from human donors.
The Rising of Paleontology in China: A Century-Long Road
Authors: Zhou Zhonghe
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the history of paleontology in China from 1920 to 2020 is divided into three major stages, i.e., 1920–1949, 1949–1978, and 1979–2020. As one of the first scientific disciplines to have earned international fame in China, the development of Chinese paleontology benefitted from international collaborations and China’s rich resources. Since 1978, China’s socio-economic development and its open-door policy to the outside world have also played a key role in the growth of Chinese paleontology. In the 21st century, thanks to constant funding from the government and the rise of the younger generation of paleontologists, Chinese paleontology is expected to make even more contributions to the integration of paleontology with both biological and geological research projects by taking advantage of new technologies and China’s rich paleontological resources.
Tubulinopathy Presenting as Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy
Authors: Hung Kun-Long , Lu Jyh-Feng , Su Da-Jyun , Hsu Su-Jin , Wang Lee-Chin
Published: July 2022

Tubulin proteins play a role in the cortical development. Mutations in the tubulin genes affect patients with brain malformations. The present report describes two cases of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) due to tubulinopathy. Case 1, a 23-year-old boy, was found to have a brain malformation with moderate ventriculomegaly prenatally. Hypotonia was noted at birth. Seizures were noted on the 1st day with multifocal discharges on the EEGs, which became intractable to many anticonvulsants. Brain MRI showed marked dilated ventricles and pachy/polymicrogyri. He became a victim of DEE. A de novo mutation in TUBB2B was proven through next-generation sequencing (NGS). Case 2, a mature male baby, began to have myoclonic jerks of his limbs 4 h after birth. EEG showed focal sharp waves from central and temporal regions. Brain MRI showed lissencephaly, type I. The seizures were refractory initially. A de novo mutation in TUBA1A was proven at the 6th week through NGS. He showed the picture of DEE at 1 year and 2 months of age. The clinical features of the tubulinopathies include motor delay, intellectual disabilities, epilepsy, and other deficits. Our cases demonstrated the severe form of tubulinopathy due to major tubulin gene mutations. NGS makes the early identification of genetic etiology possible for clinical evaluation.
Three-Dimensional-Printed Customized Orthodontic and Pedodontic Appliances: A Critical Review of a New Era for Treatment
Authors: Tsolakis Ioannis A. , Gizani Sotiria , Tsolakis Apostolos I. , Panayi Nearchos
Published: July 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) designing and manufacturing technology is a direct derivative of digital technology. Three-dimensional volume and surface acquisition, CAD software, and 3D manufacturing are major changes included in daily practice in many orthodontic and pedodontic offices. Customized appliances can be designed using dental CAD software or general-purpose CAD software in the office or a laboratory. Materials that can be used are resins, alloys, or zirconia. Methods: The search strategy of this critical review included keywords in combination with MeSH terms in Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library up to June 2022 in the English language without any limit to the publication period. Results: According to our search, 12 articles were selected for our study. All the articles were in vitro prospective studies. Conclusions: The results suggested that almost all the known appliances can be designed and printed in a tailor-made fashion in contrast to the traditional one-size-fits-all approach. Customized appliances should be manufactured according to the patient’s needs, and this is justified by the certainty that this approach will be beneficial for the patient’s treatment. There is a need for more research on all direct 3D-printed appliances.
A Comprehensive Analysis of the Relationship between Play Performance and Psychosocial Problems in School-Aged Children
Authors: Vigil-Dopico Raúl , Delgado-Lobete Laura , Montes-Montes Rebeca , Prieto-Saborit José Antonio
Published: July 2022

During childhood, play contributes to the physical, emotional, cognitive and social development of infants and children and may enhance future mental health. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between play performance factors and psychosocial problems in school-aged children. A total of 142 typical Spanish children aged 5 to 9 years were included. Play performance was measured with the My Child’s Play questionnaire, while the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to evaluate internalizing and externalizing problems. The findings showed that personal, environmental and activity factors of play performance were associated with psychosocial problems and prosocial behavior in children. Moreover, children with high psychosocial difficulties reported significantly poorer play performance. As executive functioning during play was the factor that was most strongly associated with internalizing and externalizing psychosocial difficulties, it is possible that executive functions have a decisive role on both social cognition and self-regulation during play performance.
The Importance of Wind Resource Assessment in Plant Factories’ Siting
Authors: Xydis George
Published: July 2022

Recognizing the challenges that today’s hydroponics industry and tomorrow’s plant factories are and will be dealing with requires some strategic thinking [...]
Evaluating Deck Fire Performance—Limitations of the Test Methods Currently Used in California’s Building Codes
Authors: Hedayati Faraz , Quarles Stephen L. , Standohar-Alfano Christine
Published: July 2022

Combustible decks are identified as vulnerable components of buildings in wildfire-prone areas. In California, combustible deck boards can comply with the requirements of Chapter 7A of the California Building Code if they pass an under-deck flame-impingement exposure test. It is desirable if standard test methods can simplify procedures while not adversely affecting the reliability of the test. The test methods should also be able to discriminate the fire performance between products on the market. In this research, the specified conditions in the under-deck flame-impingement test, SFM 12-7A-4A and ASTM E2632, were evaluated. Different deck assemblies were exposed to above-deck ember and under-deck flame-impingement exposures. During the above-deck ember exposure tests, it was observed that embers accumulated in the gaps between deck boards, on top of the support joists, and, when ignition occurred, ignited in this area. Flames spread by burning into unburned areas of the deck boards and joists, thereby providing a pathway to the building. During the under-deck flame-impingement tests, the three assumptions in the standard test method were evaluated, namely, (1) a small deck size can adequately represent the performance of larger decks, (2) the absence of wind will not noticeably influence performance, and (3) differences in joist material would not noticeably change the performance of the deck boards. Results of experiments suggested that the current Chapter 7A compliant deck boards burned intensely and exposed the cladding of the test building, resulting in an elevated temperature at the wall. It is argued that the current assumptions are an oversimplification of real-world fire performance and a change in the current California’s building code is necessary. This research demonstrated the necessity of evaluating an entire deck assembly rather than only the walking surfaces.
eDNA and Acoustic Tag Monitoring Reveal Congruent Overwintering Distributions of Striped Bass in a Hydrologically Complex Estuarine Environment
Authors: Harris Michaela , Brodeur Nathalie , LeBlanc Francis , Douglas Scott , Chamberland Paul , Guyondet Thomas , Steeves Royce , Gagné Nellie
Published: July 2022

After collapsing in the late 1990s, the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence population of striped bass (Morone saxatilis) is recovering. Here, we evaluate the use of under-ice eDNA sampling to monitor the population and confirm overwintering locations. From 2018 to 2020, water samples were collected from transects spanning 35 km of the Miramichi River system, accounting for the effects of sampling site, month, sampling depth and tidal influence on eDNA concentration. We examined the distribution of eDNA in a complex tidal river system with a time series consisting of 12 h of continuous sampling throughout a tidal cycle, in conjunction with the use of artificial DNA tracers and acoustic Doppler current profiler flow measurements. The eDNA distribution correctly identified overwintering grounds based on acoustic tag data, including a perceptible upstream shift in 2020. Overall, there was no significant effect of year, sampling month (February or March), sampling depth or tidal phase on eDNA concentrations. The tidal time series revealed only weak patterns of eDNA recirculation. Monitoring eDNA concentration and distribution allows for a relative comparison of population size and location between years, and has the potential to be expanded to other river systems more easily than traditional acoustic fish tags and surveys.
Preparation of a Bioadhesive Poly(Acrylic Acid)/Polyvinylpyrrolidone Complex Gel and Its Clinical Effect on Dental Hemostasis
Authors: Ito Tomoko , Yamaguchi Shingo , Soga Daisuke , Yoshimoto Takayuki , Koyama Yoshiyuki
Published: July 2022

Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) is a water-soluble synthetic polymer that exhibits bioadhesive properties and has been applied in various novel medical devices, such as drug-delivery carriers and hemostatic agents. PAA forms a water-insoluble complex when mixed with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). If PAA and PVP are mixed in water, they form an aggregated precipitate, which neither swells nor adheres to tissues. The formation of the hydrophobic complex was caused by hydrophobic interactions between the main chains of both polymers aligned the same as a zipper. To hinder the zipper-like alignment of the polymer main chains, hyaluronic acid (HA), a macromolecular viscous polysaccharide, was added to the PVP solution prior to complex formation. When the initial concentration of PAA was lower than 0.05%, HA effectively prevented the aggregation of PAA/PVP complexes and resulted in a slightly clouded suspension. Freeze-drying of the mixture yielded a soft white sponge, which could immediately swell in water to form a highly bioadhesive hydrogel. The PAA/PVP complex prepared with HA exhibited high hemostatic efficiency in clinical studies, even in patients on antithrombotic drugs.
A Quasi-Experimental Study on the Effect of an Outdoor Physical Activity Program on the Well-Being of Older Chinese People in Hong Kong
Authors: Lai Daniel W. L. , Ou Xiaoting , Jin Jiahui
Published: July 2022

Active participation in physical activity by older people is effective in improving their health. This research aims to examine the positive effects of participation in vigorous outdoor physical activities by older Chinese people in Hong Kong, and whether such effects would vary with socioeconomic background. A quasi-experimental, nonequivalent group design was used. A total of 22 participants were randomly assigned to participate in an outdoor physical activity program. Another 14 participants took part as a control group. The 14-item Self-Image of Aging Scale for Chinese Elders and the four-item self-report Subjective Happiness Scale were used to measure participants’ self-image and overall happiness level. All participants completed the assessment before and after the program. Happiness level was enhanced in participants in the experimental group (p = 0.037) and their level of overall mental health also improved (p = 0.031, η2p = 0.129). Demographics did not have any significant effect on well-being outcomes. A structured outdoor physical activity program could be a viable choice for future practice to enhance the mental well-being of older Chinese people.
Do Animations Impair Executive Function in Young Children? Effects of Animation Types on the Executive Function of Children Aged Four to Seven Years
Authors: Fan Liheng , Lu Meng , Qi Xiuxiu , Xin Jie
Published: July 2022

This study used a three (animation types: educational, entertainment, and control groups) × four (age group: four-, five-, six-, and seven-year-olds) between-group experimental design to investigate the short-term effects of animation type and age on each component of children’s executive function (EF) (inhibitory control [IC], cognitive flexibility [CF], and working memory [WM]). One hundred twenty-six kindergarten and first-grade elementary school students in a city in Henan Province of China were selected for the experimental study. The results showed that briefly watching animation affected children’s EF. Specifically, watching entertainment cartoons weakened children’s IC and CF, while cartoons did not affect children’s WM. The moderating effect of age in the relationship between animation type and EFs was non-significant. This study suggests that researchers should focus on the uniqueness of each component of EF in children aged four to seven years, and parents should try to limit children’s viewing of animation, especially entertainment animation.
Buffering the Effects of Burnout on Healthcare Professionals’ Health—The Mediating Role of Compassionate Relationships at Work in the COVID Era
Authors: Buonomo Ilaria , Santoro Paolo Emilio , Benevene Paula , Borrelli Ivan , Angelini Giacomo , Fiorilli Caterina , Gualano Maria Rosaria , Moscato Umberto
Published: July 2022

Managing the COVID-19 pandemic posed several challenges for healthcare professionals, which likely heightened their risk of burnout (Amanullah and Ramesh Shankar, 2020) and, consequently, their general physical and mental health. Although it may not be possible to address and eliminate the causes of burnout, current research informs healthcare organizations about protective strategies to reduce its detrimental consequences. The promotion of compassionate interactions among healthcare professionals may play such a role. Compassion within healthcare organizations positively affects individual performance and well-being. Building on these considerations and within the framework of the Conservation of Resources theory, this study explores the relationships among burnout dimensions, received compassion at work, and general health in 711 Italian healthcare professionals (68.5% female), aged between 21 and 73 years (Mage = 36.4, SD = 11.2). Analyses were conducted to investigate the association between burnout and general well-being (H1) and between burnout symptoms and perceived compassion at work (H2); and the mediational role of compassion in the relationship between burnout symptoms and general well-being. H1 and H2 were confirmed (r < 0.01 for both), and a SEM model showed the mediating role of compassion at work in the association between burnout symptoms and general well-being (RMSEA < 0.08, SRMR < 0.08, CFI and TLI > 0.90). Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed in the paper.
Suicide and Attempted Suicide in Poland before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic between 2019 and 2021
Authors: Stańdo Jacek , Czabański Adam , Fechner Żywilla , Baum Ewa , Andriessen Karl , Krysińska Karolina
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is related to changes in rates of suicide and suicide attempts in many countries, and some differences have been observed regarding the prevalence of suicidal behaviours in different age and gender groups. The aim of this study is to analyse the number of suicides and suicide attempts per 100,000 people between 2019 and 2021 in Poland. Using police and government data on suicide and suicide attempts in Poland, three age categories were investigated: 13–24 years old, 25–65 years old, and above 65 years old, and the analysis encompassed the whole population and the populations of men and women separately. Study results indicated an increase in suicide attempts in the two younger age categories (aged 7–24 years and 25–65 years) between 2021 and 2019–2020. There was an increase in suicide among women in all age categories during the study period, whilst no increase was observed in suicide in men in any age group. The differences in the prevalence of suicide and attempted suicide in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic in different age and gender groups indicate the need for tailored suicide prevention activities.
Distribution Patterns of Microplastics Pollution in Urban Fresh Waters: A Case Study of Rivers in Chengdu, China
Authors: Chen Juan , Deng Yinger , Chen Yong , Peng Xin , Qin Han , Wang Tao , Zhao Chenchen
Published: July 2022

Microplastics are widely found in oceans and rivers. In China, the research on microplastic pollution in inland urban fresh waters of China is insufficient. We studied microplastics in the surface waters of urban rivers in Chengdu, which is the largest city in western China. The concentration of microplastics in the analysis environment ranged from 5.00 to 10.5 items/L, and the average quantity was 8.82 items/L. The majority of the microplastics were transparent and took the form of fragments, particles, and fibers. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyamide (PA) were the dominant polymer types of the microplastics analyzed. Plastic particles ≤ 500 μm accounted for 69.8% of the total. This large proportion of small transparent microplastics in urban rivers in Chengdu is a potential threat to the growth of aquatic organisms and birds foraging from the river and may pose hazards to human health. Additionally, the correlation of microplastic content with population quantity and economic level was calculated by the Pearson coefficient method (p < 0.05), and the results showed that both have an important effect on the number of microplastics in rivers. This research provides a reference for understanding the level of microplastics in urban rivers in Chengdu and pollution control.
Social Media Engagement in Two Governmental Schemes during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Macao
Authors: Pang Patrick Cheong-Iao , Jiang Wenjing , Pu Guanwen , Chan Kin-Sun , Lau Ying
Published: July 2022

Social media engagement is a vehicle for effective communication and engagement between governments and individuals, especially in crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it can be used to communicate resilience measures and receive feedback. This research aims to investigate public social media engagement with resilience measures related to COVID-19 in Macao. We examined 1107 posts and 791 comments about the government’s face mask supply and consumption voucher schemes on Facebook. Using the Crisis Lifecycle model, we partitioned the data and analyzed the content and engagement of related posts, as well as the word semantics in user comments. Our findings show that social media engagement in these resilience measures is high and positive in the early stages of the pandemic, suggesting social media’s potential in mobilizing society, preserving social resilience, and serving as a two-way communication tool in public health emergencies.
Bridging the Gap between Clinical Service and Academic Education of Hand-Splinting Practice: Perspectives and Experiences of Thai Occupational Therapists
Authors: Kaunnil Anuchart , Sansri Veerawat , Thongchoomsin Surachart , Permpoonputtana Kannika , Stanley Mandy , Trevittaya Piyawat , Thawisuk Chirathip , Thichanpiang Peeradech
Published: July 2022

A gap in knowledge about current splinting practice exists between the educational program and clinical service. To bridge this gap, we investigated the perspectives and experiences of Thai occupational therapists regarding contemporary hand splinting practices in clinical use. A mixed-method study was designed. An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used. In the first quantitative phase, a survey questionnaire was mailed to occupational therapists. The questions were regarding contemporary hand splinting practices in clinical use at seven hospitals in the capital city of Bangkok and outskirt areas. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were completed to explore expert occupational therapists’ perspectives on practice in the same hospital settings. Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. The results showed that most conditions receiving splints were nerve injuries, orthopedics, and stroke, which represented the service frequency of splint types: functional resting (100%), cock-up (93.3%), and thumb spica splints (80%). Bone and joint deformity prevention ranked first with muscle contracture prevention being ranked second, and the third-ranked was maintaining range of motion. Three themes emerged from the interviews: starting with the patient condition; effective function and value; knowledge and experiential skills. Perspectives and experiences of occupational therapists in splinting practice contribute to education based on the reality of practice. Integrated numerical and textual data of professional skills and knowledge in actual splinting practice can be reflected through splints and orthoses program revisions to meet future learning outcomes.
Removal of Zn2+ from Aqueous Solution Using Biomass Ash and Its Modified Product as Biosorbent
Authors: Xu Lei , Xing Xiangyu , Peng Jianbiao
Published: July 2022

To study the removal effect of bottom ash of biomass power plants and its modified products on zinc (Zn2+) in aqueous solution, a series of indoor experiments is carried out. The aim of this work is to explore a method to improve the ability of biomass ash to remove Zn2+ from aqueous solution and obtain its adsorption characteristics of Zn2+ in aqueous solution; on this basis, the feasibility of its application in the treatment of Zn2+-contaminated wastewater is analyzed. The mesoporous siliceous material is used to modify the biomass, and the modified material is functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. The results show that the specific surface area of modified biomass ash is nine times that of the material before modification. The adsorption capacity of Zn2+ on the material increases with the increase of pH, and pH 6 is the optimum pH to remove Zn2+ from the aqueous solution. The Langmuir model and Freundlich model can show better fits for biomass ash and the modified material, respectively. Thermodynamic analysis results show that the adsorption of Zn2+ is spontaneous and endothermic in nature. The adsorption of Zn2+ onto biomass and modified biomass ash follow pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics, respectively.
Influences of the Built Environment on Rural School Children’s Travel Mode Choice: The Case of Chengdu
Authors: Li Haimei , Han Li , Ao Yibin , Wang Yan , Wang Tong
Published: July 2022

Since the reform and opening up of China, the rural built environment has changed dramatically. There is a need to understand how such changes have impacted rural children’s school travel mode choice to design the built environment and plan schools accordingly. This paper combines field measurement methods and questionnaires to obtain data on rural children’s school travel behavior and uses the multinomial logit (MNL) model to investigate the impacting factors. The results show the following insights: Age has a significant positive impact on children’s choice of bicycles and buses. The improvements in road layout and facility conditions are significantly and positively associated with children’s choice of electric bicycles for school. There is a significant positive correlation between a good and safe public environment and children’s choice of cycling. Furthermore, distance from home to school has a significant impact on the choice of children’s school travel mode: the greater the distance to school, the higher the probability that children will choose motorized modes of travel such as buses and private cars. This study provides empirical data and evidence in designing rural transport systems for school children based on their preferences concerning built environment factors.
Trends and Racial/Ethnic Differences in Health Care Spending Stratified by Gender among Adults with Arthritis in the United States 2011–2019
Authors: Spector Antoinette L. , Matsen Emily , Egede Leonard E.
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were racial/ethnic differences and patterns for individual office-based visit expenditures by gender among a nationally representative sample of adults with arthritis. We retrospectively analyzed pooled data from the 2011 to 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey of adults who self-reported an arthritis diagnosis, stratified by gender (men = 13,378; women = 33,261). Our dependent variable was office-based visit expenditures. Our independent variables were survey year (categorized as 2011–2013, 2014–2016, 2017–2019) and race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic, non-Hispanic Asian, non-Hispanic other/multiracial). We conducted trends analysis to assess for changes in expenditures over time. We utilized a two-part model to assess differences in office-based expenditures among participants who had any office-based expenditure and then calculated the average marginal effects. The unadjusted office-based visit expenditures increased significantly across the study period for both men and women with arthritis, as well as for some racial and ethnic groups depending on gender. Differing racial and ethnic patterns of expenditures by gender remained after accounting for socio-demographic, healthcare access, and health status factors. Delaying care was an independent driver of higher office-based expenditures for women with arthritis but not men. Our findings reinforce the escalating burden of healthcare costs among U.S. adults with arthritis across genders and certain racial and ethnic groups.