bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grandparents’ Professional and Educational Activity: A Positive or Negative Impact on Relationships with Grandchildren?
Authors: Kwiatkowska-Ciotucha Dorota , Grześkowiak Alicja , Załuska Urszula , Peternek Piotr
Published: January 2023

‘Baby boomers’ are the first generation whose representatives—both male and female—are, to a great extent, or plan to be, professionally active in their old age. Increased professional activity of this group influences family relations and the perception of the roles of grandmothers and grandfathers. This article attempts to assess the impact of grandparents’ professional and educational activity on relationships with grandchildren. The study relies on data from an international comparative survey conducted using the CAWI method in representative groups of Internet users from seven European countries and a proprietary questionnaire. The study was conducted in May 2022, and the total research sample included 3008 people. The analysis covered answers to the questions on the perceived impact of grandparents’ activity on the performance of family roles. To analyze the results, tests of the equality of means (t-test, ANOVA) were used to check for differences in assessments due to respondents’ characteristics. The use of exploratory factor analysis made it possible to distinguish two groups of factors—those having a positive impact on the relationship with grandchildren and those having a negative one. The SEM (structural equation modeling) model was used to find an answer to the question of which factor—positive or negative—has a greater impact on trust in grandparents as carers. The results of the conducted analyses indicated the existence of statistically significant differences in the perception of the role of grandmothers and grandfathers due to such characteristics of the respondents as age, gender, or country of residence. It is possible to conclude that positive perceptions of grandparents’ professional and educational activity encourage greater confidence in them in the context of performing family roles.
Autonomic Function Recovery and Physical Activity Levels in Post-COVID-19 Young Adults after Immunization: An Observational Follow-Up Case-Control Study
Authors: Freire Ana Paula Coelho Figueira , Amin Shaan , Lira Fabio Santos , Morano Ana Elisa von Ah , Pereira Telmo , Coelho-E-Silva Manuel-João , Caseiro Armando , Christofaro Diego Giulliano Destro , Dos Santos Vanessa Ribeiro , Júnior Osmar Marchioto , Pinho Ricardo Aurino , Silva Bruna Spolador de Alencar
Published: January 2023

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has detrimental multi-system consequences. Symptoms may appear during the acute phase of infection, but the literature on long-term recovery of young adults after mild to moderate infection is lacking. Heart rate variability (HRV) allows for the observation of autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulation post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. Since physical activity (PA) can help improve ANS modulation, investigating factors that can influence HRV outcomes after COVID-19 is essential to advancements in care and intervention strategies. Clinicians may use this research to aid in the development of non-medication interventions. At baseline, 18 control (CT) and 20 post-COVID-19 (PCOV) participants were observed where general anamnesis was performed, followed by HRV and PA assessment. Thus, 10 CT and 7 PCOV subjects returned for follow-up (FU) evaluation 6 weeks after complete immunization (two doses) and assessments were repeated. Over the follow-up period, a decrease in sympathetic (SNS) activity (mean heart rate: p = 0.0024, CI = −24.67–−3.26; SNS index: p = 0.0068, CI = −2.50–−0.32) and increase in parasympathetic (PNS) activity (mean RR: p = 0.0097, CI = 33.72–225.51; PNS index: p = 0.0091, CI = −0.20–1.47) were observed. At follow-up, HRV was not different between groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, no differences were observed in PA between moments and groups. This study provides evidence of ANS recovery after SARS-CoV-2 insult in young adults over a follow-up period, independent of changes in PA.
Predictors, Mediators and Moderators of Police Work-Related Stress: A Scoping Review
Authors: Cheung Yuen-Kiu , Li Jessica Chi-Mei
Published: January 2023

Owing to the complication in organisation, the dangerous job nature and the rise of demonstrations and protests across the world in the past decade, police work-related stress has become a topic of global concern. This review aimed to provide an understanding of predictors, mediators and moderators of police work-related stress from a multi-level perspective. Using a scoping review approach underpinned by the six-stage methodological framework, studies were found from six electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, Sociological Abstracts, Scopus, PsycINFO and PsychiatryOnline) and grey literature sources. Thirty studies were yielded across 35,446 participants from 12 locations. This review contributes to a systematic understanding of the factors affecting police work-related stress by identifying six predictors, four mediators and three moderators. It then discusses limitations and future research.
Contribution of Solar Radiation and Pollution to Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Karakis Isabella , Yarza Shaked , Zlotnik Yair , Ifergane Gal , Kloog Itai , Grant-Sasson Kineret , Novack Lena
Published: January 2023

Background. Parkinson’s disease (PD) is believed to develop from epigenetic modulation of gene expression through environmental factors that accounts for up to 85% of all PD cases. The main objective of this study was to examine the association between PD onset and a cumulative exposure to potentially modifiable ambient exposures. Methods. The study population comprised 3343 incident PD cases and 31,324 non-PD controls in Southern Israel. The exposures were determined based on the monitoring stations and averaged per year. Their association with PD was modeled using a distributed lag non-linear model and presented as an effect of exposure to the 75th percentile as compared to the 50th percentile of each pollutant, accumulated over the span of 5 years prior to the PD. Results. We recorded an adverse effect of particulate matter of size ≤10 μm in diameter (PM10) and solar radiation (SR) with odds ratio (OR) = 1.06 (95%CI: 1.02; 1.10) and 1.23 (95%CI: 1.08; 1.39), respectively. Ozone (O3) was also adversely linked to PD, although with a borderline significance, OR: 1.12 (95%CI: 0.99; 1.25). Immigrants arriving in Israel after 1989 appeared to be more vulnerable to exposure to O3 and SR. The dose response effect of SR, non-existent for Israeli-born (OR = 0.67, 95%CI: 0.40; 1.13), moderate for immigrants before 1989 (OR = 1.17, 95%CI: 0.98; 1.40) and relatively high for new immigrants (OR = 1.25, 95%CI: 1.25; 2.38) indicates an adaptation ability to SR. Conclusions. Our findings supported previous reports on adverse association of PD with exposure to PM10 and O3. Additionally, we revealed a link of Parkinson’s Disease with SR that warrants an extensive analysis by research groups worldwide.
A New Developmental Approach for Judo Focusing on Health, Physical, Motor, and Educational Attributes
Authors: Garbeloto Fernando , Miarka Bianca , Guimarães Eduardo , Gomes Fabio Rodrigo Ferreira , Tagusari Fernando Ikeda , Tani Go
Published: January 2023

Judo is currently the most practiced combat sport in the world. There is no doubt of its importance for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. However, due to its inherent complexity, coaches tend to place greater or lesser emphasis only on one of its multiple domains during the judoka formative years. The present study presents a novel developmental approach signaling Judo as an excellent way for physical, motor, educational, and health development across the lifespan. In this study, we consulted 23 Judo coaches, aiming to clarify the relevance and adequacy of the domains (Competitive, Health, Technical-Tactical, and Philosophical-Educational) and phases of the proposed model. Our findings showed that the model contents—physical, motor, educational, and health—are entwined with its four domains, which were considered of utmost importance by experts in the development of judokas. We, therefore, contend that our model is essential to better understand the growth and development of young judokas. Also, it may be a useful tool for Motor Development experts.
Body Composition Parameters Correlate to Depression Symptom Levels in Patients Treated with Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Vučković Marijana , Radić Josipa , Kolak Ela , Nenadić Dora Bučan , Begović Mirna , Radić Mislav
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of depression and nutritional status and their associations in patients treated with hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) and the differences according to the type of treatment. There were fifty-three patients treated with maintenance HD and twenty patients treated with PD enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Body composition, anthropometric parameters, and clinical and laboratory parameters were collected for each participant. Depression was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II) and risk of malnutrition with the Malnutrition Inflammation Score (MIS). The results suggest a positive association between the level of depression and the percentage of fat mass and obesity parameters in PD and HD participants. Muscle mass and fat-free mass in HD, phase angle (PhA), and serum albumin levels in PD were negatively associated with the value of BDI-II. Participants treated with HD were found to have higher levels of pessimism and loss of interest in sex compared with PD. There is a need to integrate multidisciplinary psychological and nutritional assessment into the usual care of dialysis patients.
Air Pollution and Birth Outcomes: Health Impact and Economic Value Assessment in Spain
Authors: Canto Marcelle Virginia , Guxens Mònica , García-Altés Anna , López Maria José , Marí-Dell’Olmo Marc , García-Pérez Javier , Ramis Rebeca
Published: January 2023

Air pollution is considered an ongoing major public health and environmental issue around the globe, affecting the most vulnerable, such as pregnant women and fetuses. The aim of this study is to estimate the health impact and economic value on birth outcomes, such as low birthweight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB), small for gestational age (SGA), attributable to a reduction of PM10 levels in Spain. Reduction based on four scenarios was implemented: fulfillment of WHO guidelines and EU limits, and an attributable reduction of 15% and 50% in annual PM10 levels. Retrospective study on 288,229 live-born singleton children born between 2009–2010, using data from Spain Birth Registry Statistics database, as well as mean PM10 mass concentrations. Our finding showed that a decrease in annual exposure to PM10 appears to be associated with a decrease in the annual cases of LBW, SGA and PTB, as well as a reduction in hospital cost attributed to been born with LBW. Improving pregnancy outcomes by reducing the number of LBW up to 5% per year, will result in an estimate associated monetary saving of 50,000 to 7,000,000 euros annually. This study agrees with previous literature and highlights the need to implement, and ensure compliance with, stricter policies that regulate the maximum exposure to outdoor PM permitted in Spain, contributing to decreased environmental health risk, especially negative birth outcomes.
The Impact of China’s ETS on Corporate Green Governance Based on the Perspective of Corporate ESG Performance
Authors: Yao Riquan , Fei Yingqun , Wang Zhong , Yao Xin , Yang Sasa
Published: January 2023

To achieve China’s “dual carbon” and common prosperity goals, corporate green governance is crucial. A key tool for promoting green growth is environmental legislation, particularly market-based regulation. With China’s carbon emission trading as a natural experiment, we adopt the DID method to quantitatively compare the gap between ESG performance of pilot and non-pilot carbon trading enterprises before and after policy implementation, thereby examining the impact, mechanism and optimization conditions of market-based environmental policy on corporate green governance based on panel data of China’s A-share listed companies from 2007 to 2019. In addition, PSM-DID and other methods are employed for preventing estimation bias caused by sample self-selection bias. It is found that: (1) the green governance level of pilot firms can be considerably improved by a carbon emission trading scheme (ETS); (2) the ETS primarily encourages enterprises to uphold their ESG obligations through increasing regulatory pressure from the government and corporate involvement in clean innovation; (3) enhancing regional marketization can strengthen the impact of carbon trading policy, and enterprises that are large and non-state-owned exhibit better performance with regard to green governance as a result of carbon trading policy. This paper provides practical experience for promoting corporate green governance to achieve the “dual carbon” goal based on a market mechanism from a micro perspective.
Early Origins of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Prenatal and Early Life Risk Factors
Authors: Deolmi Michela , Decarolis Nicola Mattia , Motta Matteo , Makrinioti Heidi , Fainardi Valentina , Pisi Giovanna , Esposito Susanna
Published: January 2023

The main risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is active smoking. However, a considerable amount of people with COPD never smoked, and increasing evidence suggests that adult lung disease can have its origins in prenatal and early life. This article reviews some of the factors that can potentially affect lung development and lung function trajectories throughout the lifespan from genetics and prematurity to respiratory tract infections and childhood asthma. Maternal smoking and air pollution exposure were also analyzed among the environmental factors. The adoption of preventive strategies to avoid these risk factors since the prenatal period may be crucial to prevent, delay the onset or modify the progression of COPD lung disease throughout life.
A Study of Public Attitudes toward Shanghai’s Image under the Influence of COVID-19: Evidence from Comments on Sina Weibo
Authors: Guo Yanlong , Zu Lan , Chen Denghang , Zhang Han
Published: January 2023

With the advent of the Internet era, Chinese users tend to choose to express their opinions on social media platforms represented by Sina Weibo. The changes in people’s emotions toward cities from the microblogging texts can reflect the image of cities presented on mainstream social media, and thus target a good image of cities. In this paper, we collected microblog data containing “Shanghai” from 1 January 2019 to 1 September 2022 by Python technology, and we used three methods: Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency keyword statistics, Latent Dirichlet Allocation theme model construction, and sentiment analysis by Zhiwang Sentiment Dictionary. We also explore the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on Shanghai’s urban image in the context of the “Shanghai Territorial Static Management”, an important public opinion topic during the COVID-19 epidemic. The results of the study show that the “Shanghai-wide static management” of COVID-19 epidemic has significantly reduced the public’s perception of Shanghai and negatively affected the city’s image. By analyzing the data results, we summarize the basic characteristics of Shanghai’s city image and provide strategies for communicating Shanghai’s city image in the post-epidemic era.
Analysis of Cannabinoids in Biological Specimens: An Update
Authors: Antunes Mónica , Barroso Mário , Gallardo Eugenia
Published: January 2023

Cannabinoids are still the most consumed drugs of abuse worldwide. Despite being considered less harmful to human health, particularly if compared with opiates or cocaine, cannabis consumption has important medico-legal and public health consequences. For this reason, the development and optimization of sensitive analytical methods that allow the determination of these compounds in different biological specimens is important, involving relevant efforts from laboratories. This paper will discuss cannabis consumption; toxicokinetics, the most detected compounds in biological samples; and characteristics of the latter. In addition, a comprehensive review of extraction methods and analytical tools available for cannabinoid detection in selected biological specimens will be reviewed. Important issues such as pitfalls and cut-off values will be considered.
Monitoring Occupational Noise Exposure in Firefighters Using the Apple Watch
Authors: Williams Erin C. , Ma Yiran , Loo Daniela M. , Schaefer Solle Natasha , Millet Barbara , Harris Kristine , Snapp Hillary A. , Rajguru Suhrud M.
Published: January 2023

Occupational noise exposure and hearing loss are prominent in the fire service. Firefighters are routinely exposed to hazardous levels of noise arising from the tools and equipment they use, from sirens and alarm tones to the emergency response vehicles they drive. The present study utilized the Apple Watch to continuously measure environmental noise levels for on-duty firefighters. Participants included 15 firefighters from the metropolitan South Florida area, and 25 adult non-firefighter control subjects. Firefighters were recruited from a variety of roles across two stations to ensure noise exposure profiles were appropriately representative of exposures in the fire service. All participants wore an Apple Watch for up to three separate 24 h shifts and completed a post-shift survey self-reporting on perceived exposures over the 24 h study period. Cumulative exposures were calculated for each shift and noise dose was calculated relative to the NIOSH recommended exposure limit of 85 dBA as an 8 h time-weighted average. The maximum dBA recorded on the Apple Watches was statistically significant between groups, with firefighters experiencing a median of 87.79 dBA and controls a median of 77.27 dBA. Estimated Exposure Time at 85 dBA (EET-85) values were significantly higher for firefighters when compared to controls: 3.97 h (range: 1.20–14.7 h) versus 0.42 h (range: 0.05–8.21 h). Only 2 of 16 firefighters reported the use of hearing protection devices during their shifts. Overall, our results highlight the utility of a commonly used personal device to quantify noise exposure in an occupationally at-risk group.
Food Waste Utilization for Reducing Carbon Footprints towards Sustainable and Cleaner Environment: A Review
Authors: Bhatia Latika , Jha Harit , Sarkar Tanushree , Sarangi Prakash Kumar
Published: January 2023

There is world-wide generation of food waste daily in significant amounts, leading to depletion of natural resources and deteriorating air quality. One-third of global food produced is wasted laterally with the food value chain. Carbon footprint is an efficient way of communicating the issues related to climate change and the necessity of changing behavior. Valorization or utilization of food wastes helps in resolving issues related to environment pollution. Reduction in the carbon footprint throughout the chain of food supply makes the whole process eco-friendly. Prevailing food waste disposal systems focus on their economic and environmental viability and are putting efforts into using food waste as a resource input to agriculture. Effective and advanced waste management systems are adopted to deal with massive waste production so as to fill the gap between the production and management of waste disposal. Food waste biorefineries are a sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach for the production of platform chemicals, biofuels, and other bio-based materials. These materials not only provide sustainable resources for producing various chemicals and materials but have the potential to reduce this huge environmental burden significantly. In this regard, technological advancement has occurred in past few years that has proven suitable for tackling this problem.
Mobile Phone-Based Nutrition Education Targeting Pregnant and Nursing Mothers in Sri Lanka
Authors: Peiris Dilka Rashmi , Wijesinghe Millawage Supun Dilara , Gunawardana Balangoda Muhamdiramlage Indika , Weerasinghe Weerasinghe Mudiyanselage Prasad Chathuranga , Rajapaksha Rajapaksha Mudiyanselage Nayani Umesha , Rathnayake Kumari M. , Ranathunga Nayomi , Kalupahana Saman , Supun Yakupitiyage Asanka , Deshpande Sameer , Ahmed Faruk
Published: January 2023

Introduction: A woman’s nutrition during pregnancy and nursing affects the mother and the growing child. Similarly, the first two years of a child’s life are critical to their growth and development and are facilitated by optimum nutrition. Women’s nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices influence household food and nutrition security. Mobile health (mHealth) is a potentially effective health intervention in pandemic situations when physical gatherings are restricted. Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of a mobile phone-based nutrition education intervention targeting pregnant and nursing mothers in six Sri Lankan divisional secretariat areas. Method: This intervention was evaluated using a before and after within-subjects design. The intervention included 19 messages over four weeks sent via mobile phone, covering nutrition themes such as pregnancy care, infant and young child-feeding, diet, family care for mother and child, and cash management. The intervention was evaluated based on a quantitative survey using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and qualitative interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. The study population was pregnant and nursing mothers. The objective of the qualitative interviews was to identify how respondents used messages and how satisfied they were with the project. The outcome measures were awareness/knowledge, attitudes, social norms, self-efficacy, behaviour intentions, and practices of pregnant and nursing mothers. Trained enumerators collected data using a mobile phone. Results: A total of 996 pregnant and nursing mothers participated in the pre-assessment survey, of which 720 completed the post-assessment. Most were nursing mothers (84.2% pre- and 78.9% post-assessment). Participants provided positive feedback on the intervention. Knowledge/awareness (t = −18.70, p < 0.01) and attitudes (t = −2.00, p < 0.05) increased when exposed to the intervention. Favourable improvements in the practices were also observed. Mothers’ practices related to breastfeeding and 24-h dietary diversity showed a statistically significant improvement. However, social norms and behaviour intentions did not significantly improve. The qualitative component also revealed favourable responses. Conclusion and Recommendations: The mobile intervention improved participants’ knowledge, awareness, attitude, and practices, but not social norms or behaviour intentions. This approach is recommended to be used on a larger scale in community settings. In addition, mobile technology could drive intervention in pandemic-related situations.
Vocational Rehabilitation and Length of Stay at Work after Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Longitudinal Study in Brazil
Authors: de Miranda Cristiano Barreto , Silva-Junior João Silvestre , Garcia Klauss Kleydmann Sabino , de Sousa Flávia Nogueira e Ferreira , Fischer Frida Marina
Published: January 2023

Vocational rehabilitation is an intervention to enhance the return to work and improve quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate sociodemographic and occupational factors associated with the length of stay at work among workers with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) who had undergone rehabilitation through the Brazilian public social security system. This was a longitudinal study among 680 workers with histories of disability due to WRMDs who returned to the formal job market after vocational rehabilitation between 2014 and 2018. Survival analysis was performed to identify the factors influencing permanence in work. Job dismissal occurred for 29.26% of the workers. The average duration of employment after returning to the formal job position was 56 months. The following factors were associated with shorter length of employment: living in the southeastern region (HR: 2.78; 95% CI 1.12–6.91) or southern region (HR: 2.68; 95% CI 1.04–6.90) of Brazil; working in transportation, storage or postal services (HR: 2.57; 95% CI 1.07–6.17); or working in financial activities, insurance or related services (HR: 2.70; 95% CI 1.05–6.89). These findings may contribute to the discussion about prevention of disability and interventions to ensure health care for workers with WRMD disabilities who undergo rehabilitation.
Implementation of Health Impact Assessment in the Healthcare System of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Authors: Kalel Zhan S. , Gulis Gabriel , Aringazina Altyn M.
Published: January 2023

The Health Impact Assessment (hereinafter referred to as HIA) is an effective method for predicting potential health impacts from decisions. Little is known about the implementation of the HIA in the Republic of Kazakhstan (further, RK). In addition, the Russian language literature has not yet been reviewed in terms of HIA-related knowledge. By conducting a literature review of enabling factors, including Russian language literature, on the implementation of the HIA and studying governance systems in RK, we aim to suggest an implementation process to implement the HIA in RK. After careful analysis of the governance system, we suggest set up of a HIA support unit under the National Scientific Center for Health Development and discuss the possible benefits. The proposed center should guide the implementation of the HIA in RK.
‘It’s like Taking a Sleeping Pill’: Student Experience of Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) to Promote Health and Mental Wellbeing
Authors: Woods Nicole , Turner-Cobb Julie M.
Published: January 2023

Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is purposely elicited by some individuals to promote health and mental wellbeing. The aim of the current study was to explore how ASMR is used and its perceived benefits in a student population. We employed semi-structured qualitative interviews, with eight female students who self-reported as ASMR-sensitive users. Inductive thematic analysis, underpinned by a phenomenological framework, was applied to the data. Two themes, each with three subthemes, were identified; these highlighted the journey from first discovering ASMR to present experience and the use of ASMR to promote health and mental wellbeing both directly and indirectly. For some, ASMR was used daily, whilst for others it was used in a relapsing-remitting fashion: usage increased when struggling with mental wellbeing and was most often used as a tool to induce sleep or distraction when feeling anxious. Participants also reported ASMR-eliciting content as intriguing, and that the phenomenon was regarded as taboo. ASMR appears to play an important role in promoting health and mental wellbeing; frequency of use, preferred triggers, and purpose of use varied, highlighting its flexible and subjective nature. It provides a potential cost-effective tool in populations such as students where mental health needs are burgeoning.
The Effect of Mindfulness Intervention on the Psychological Skills and Shooting Performances in Male Collegiate Basketball Athletes in Macau: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Wang Yan , Lei Si-Man , Wu Chi-Chong
Published: January 2023

Background: This study adopted a quasi-experimental design to examine the effect of a 7-week mindfulness intervention on the psychological coping ability and shooting performance of college-level male basketball athletes in Macau. Methods: A total of 43 male college basketball athletes in Macau were selected as the participants. Besides the regular basketball training, the intervention group (n = 23) received a 7-week mindfulness training; the weekly mindfulness intervention session lasted around one hour according to the mindfulness training manual for athletes, while the control group (n = 20) did not receive any mindfulness training. Before and immediately after the 7-week intervention, all players performed the following tests: the “Five-Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire”, the “Acceptance and Action Questionnaire”, the “Sport Competition Anxiety Test”, the “Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale”, and three shooting tests. An independent-sample t-test and a paired-sample t-test were used to analyze the between- and within-group differences. Moreover, a repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the group, time, and group-by-time effects on psychological skills and shooting performances. Results: The intervention resulted in both significant between-group and within-group differences in mindfulness level, acceptance level, attention level, three-point, and free-throw shooting performances (all p < 0.05, Cohen’s d ranging from 0.565 to 1.117). Conclusion: While further study is necessary, the present study suggests that the 7-week mindfulness training program can significantly improve psychological outcomes and shooting performance in Macau college basketball athletes. Future studies involving competition settings and objective metrics will aid in verifying mindfulness as the prevalent practice among basketball practitioners and athletes.
Stress-Buffering Effects of Social Support on Tourism Employees during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Liu Huiyue , Tan Qiancai , Mai Huiping
Published: January 2023

Since the beginning of 2020, China’s tourism industry has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and domestic tourism revenues have plummeted. Tourism employees have faced reduced working hours, job instability, shut down, and unemployment. In the context of the normalization of epidemic prevention, the tourism industry is recovering slowly and uncertainly, and many tourism employees face increasing employment stress. To investigate the relationship between social support and employment stress among tourism employees, 308 tourism employees were surveyed, and the mediating role of positive coping styles and the moderating role of psychological resilience were examined using structural equation modeling. The results revealed three key findings: social support significantly and negatively influenced the employment stress of tourism employees; positive coping styles significantly mediated the relationship between social support and employment stress among tourism employees; and psychological resilience moderated the relationship between social support and employment stress among tourism employees, as well as moderating the relationship between social support and positive coping style. The current findings help to deepen the understanding of the relationship between social support and employment stress, and they have important implications for alleviating the employment stress of tourism employees in the context of the pandemic.
Household Dietary Diversity among Households with and without Children with Disabilities in Three Low-Income Communities in Lusaka, Zambia
Authors: Hearst Mary O. , Wells Leah , Hughey Lauren , Makhoul Zeina
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this manuscript is to describe household dietary diversity (HDDS) in Lusaka, Zambia between households with and without a child with a disability living in the same communities. Cross-sectional data were collected in three low-income compounds in September 2021. Participants included households with a child with a disability enrolled in Kusamala+, a community-based program, (n = 444) and a convenience sample of adults living in the same area without a child with a disability (n = 1027). The HDDS tool asked about food groups consumed in the past 24 h by people in the household. The responses were summed (yes = 1, no = 0), range 0–12. Individual dietary diversity scores (IDDSs) were calculated for children (0–8 items). Analysis included descriptive statistics and linear regression. Mean HDDS for the households with a child with a disability was 4.8 (SD 2.1) vs. 6.1 (SD = 2.2) among households without a child with a disability (p < 0.001). The individual score for children (IDDS) for households with children with disabilities was 2.6 (SD = 1.4) vs. 3.7 (SD = 1.6) for households without a child with a disability. Households with a child with a disability had a significantly lower HDDS and IDDS in unadjusted and adjusted models (p < 0.001). National policy must assure the most vulnerable populations, and often hidden, receive focused financial and food support.
Effect of Rinse Solutions on Rhizostoma pulmo (Cnidaria: Scyphozoa) Stings and the Ineffective Role of Vinegar in Scyphozoan Jellyfish Species
Authors: Ballesteros Ainara , Marambio Macarena , Trullas Carles , Jourdan Eric , Tena-Medialdea Jose , Gili Josep-Maria
Published: January 2023

Rhizostoma pulmo is a widely distributed scyphozoan in the Mediterranean Sea. Their stings result mainly in erythema, small vesicles, or/and pain, and cause a high number of bathers to seek assistance from first-aid services during the summer season. Despite the threat that jellyfish stings represent to public health, there is disagreement in the scientific community on first-aid protocols, with the dispute largely centered around the effectiveness of vinegar. In the present research, we investigated the effect of commonly used rinse solutions on nematocyst discharge in R. pulmo and the effect of vinegar on three more scyphozoans (Aurelia sp., Cassiopea sp., and Rhizostoma luteum). Scented ammonia, vinegar, and acetic acid triggered nematocyst discharge in R. pulmo. Vinegar also caused nematocyst discharge in Aurelia sp., Cassiopea sp., and R. luteum. In contrast, seawater, baking soda, freshwater, urine, and hydrogen peroxide were considered neutral solutions that did not induce nematocyst discharge. These results indicate that the use of vinegar, acetic acid, or commercial products based on these compounds is counterproductive. Their use can worsen pain and discomfort caused not only by R. pulmo stings but also by those of any scyphozoan. The use of seawater is recommended for cleaning the R. pulmo sting site until an inhibitor solution that irreversibly prevents nematocyst discharge is discovered.
The Development and Validation of the Antisocial Preferences Scale
Authors: Skowroński Bartłomiej
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to create a new instrument measuring antisocial preferences based on the Theory of Social Derailment of Czesław Czapów, who indicated the role of antisocial preferences in predicting antisocial behavior. The measures used were the Antisocial Preferences Scale (APS), BPAQ, Mach-IV, and IVE questionnaires. The participants were 718 prisoners. CFA techniques were used to investigate the construct validity of the Antisocial Preferences Scale. Four alternative models of the APS were specified and tested, namely: one-factor, second-order, multi-factor, and bi-factor. CFA analyses revealed that the best-fitting model was the bifactor. This conceptualization contains seven subscales, namely: aggressiveness, lack of guilt or remorse, breaking legal norms, incapacity for mutually intimate relationships, impulsiveness, risk-taking, and egocentrism.
Effects of Prone Positioning on Head Control in Preterm Infants: Randomized and Controlled Clinical Trial Protocol
Authors: Santos Sampaio Sabrinne Suelen , de Amorim Rodrigues Nathalia Allana , Moura Julia Raffin , de Lima-Alvarez Carolina Daniel , Pereira Silvana Alves
Published: January 2023

Purpose: The primary aim will be to assess the effects of prone positioning (tummy time) on cervical extension (angular kinematics and time) in preterm infants. The secondary aim will be to assess the effects of tummy time on gross motor function. Methods: This randomized, controlled clinical trial will include 40 preterm infants weighing less than 2500 g, randomly allocated into control or experimental group (n = 20) and followed up from birth to six months of corrected age by the team of the neonatal follow-up clinic. Caregivers will be routinely guided on bonding, developmental milestones, and how to perform the tummy time for 30 min throughout the day (experimental group). An illustrative booklet will be provided as support material. The hypothesis will be tested using inferential analysis, considering an alpha of 5%. Discussion: We expect tummy time to strengthen cervical muscles needed to overcome gravity, master motor skills, and stimulate the integration between family activity and environmental experiences, considerable challenges to which preterm infants are exposed. Trial registration: Registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier RBR-2nwkr47) on 17 February 2022.
Research on a Coordination Evaluation and Prediction Model of Water Use and Industrial Ecosystem Development
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Liang , Zhang Huiping , Zhang Ying
Published: January 2023

Coordinating the relationship between water use and industrial ecosystem development is the key to ensuring high-quality and sustainable development of the industrial economy. In this paper, a model was proposed for evaluating and predicting the coordination between water use and industrial ecosystem development. First, aiming at the coordination of water use and industrial ecosystem development, this paper determined 15 indicators from the aspects of water demand and supply, water conservation and environmental protection, industrial sustainable development, input and output, and industrial development status. The combination weighting method based on game theory was used to determine the weight of the evaluation index. Then, the coordination evaluation model called the back propagation neural network (BP)–coupling coordination degree model (CCDM) and the coordination prediction model called gray models (GM)–BP–CCDM were established. Finally, the model was applied to the coordination evaluation and prediction of water use and industrial ecosystem development in the Hebei Province, China. The results show that the coordination degree of cities in the Hebei Province is moderate. Therefore, based on the research results, some scientific and reasonable suggestions for water resources utilization and industrial ecosystem development were put forward.
Global Trends of Lipid Metabolism Research in Epigenetics Field: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2012–2021
Authors: Liu Hanqi , Huang Yanqing , Lu Shanshan , Yuan Didi , Liu Junwen
Published: January 2023

Most common diseases are characterized by metabolic changes, among which lipid metabolism is a hotspot. Numerous studies have demonstrated a strong correlation between epigenetics and lipid metabolism. This study of publications on the epigenetics of lipid metabolism searched in the Web of Science Core Collection from 2012 to 2022, and a total of 3685 publications were retrieved. Much of our work focused on collecting the data of annual outputs, high-yielding countries and authors, vital journals, keywords and citations for qualitative and quantitative analysis. In the past decade, the overall number of publications has shown an upward trend. China (1382, 26.69%), the United States (1049, 20.26%) and Italy (206, 3.98%) were the main contributors of outputs. The Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yale University were significant potential cooperation institutions. Articles were mainly published in the “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”. In addition to typical liver-related diseases, “ferroptosis”, “diabetes” and “atherosclerosis” were identified as potential research topics. “NF-κB” and “oxidative stress” were referred to frequently in publications. METTL3 and ALKBH5 were the most discussed m6A-related enzymes in 2022. Our study revealed research hotspots and new trends in the epigenetics of lipid metabolism, hoping to provide significant information and inspiration for researchers to further explore new directions.
Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals (EPFRs) of PM2.5 in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Mushtaq , Chen Jing , Yu Qing , Tariq Khan Muhammad , Weqas Ali Syed , Nawab Asim , Phairuang Worradorn , Panyametheekul Sirima
Published: January 2023

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) are an emerging pollutant and source of oxidative stress. Samples of PM2.5 were collected at the urban sites of Lahore in both winter and summertime of 2019. The chemical composition of PM2.5, EPRF concentration, OH radical generation, and risk assessment of EPFRs in PM2.5 were evaluated. The average concentration of PM2.5 in wintertime and summertime in Lahore is 15 and 4.6 times higher than the national environmental quality standards (NEQS) of Pakistan and WHO. The dominant components of PM2.5 are carbonaceous species. The concentration of EPFRs and reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as OH radicals, is higher in the winter than in the summertime. The secondary inorganic ions do not contribute to the generation of OH radicals, although the contribution of SO42+, NO3−, and NH4+ to the mass concentration of PM2.5 is greater in summertime. The atmospheric EPFRs are used to evaluate the exposure risk. The EPFRs in PM2.5 and cigarette smoke have shown similar toxicity to humans. In winter and summer, the residents of Lahore inhaled the amount of EPFRs equivalent to 4.0 and 0.6 cigarettes per person per day, respectively. Compared to Joaquin County, USA, the residents of Lahore are 1.8 to 14.5 times more exposed to EPFRs in summer and wintertime. The correlation analysis of atmospheric EPFRs (spin/m3) and carbonaceous species of PM2.5 indicates that coal combustion, biomass burning, and vehicle emissions are the possible sources of EPFRs in the winter and summertime. In both winter and summertime, metallic and carbonaceous species correlated well with OH radical generation, suggesting that vehicular emissions, coal combustion, and industrial emissions contributed to the OH radical generation. The study’s findings provide valuable information and data for evaluating the potential health effects of EPFRs in South Asia and implementing effective air pollution control strategies.
Negative Pressure Wound Therapy and Traditional Dressing: An Italian Health Technology Assessment Evaluation
Authors: Nicolazzo Dora , Rusin Elena , Varese Alessandra , Galassi Margherita
Published: January 2023

This evaluation shows the main advantages related to the introduction of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in Italian clinical practice for the management of incisions in vascular surgery in patients suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and at risk of postoperative complications, compared to treatment with traditional dressings. A health technology assessment (HTA) activity was conducted assuming the hospital perspective, within a 12-month time horizon. The nine EUnetHTA Core Model dimensions were deeply explored, using scientific evidence on the topic, real-life data, and healthcare professionals’ perceptions. The evaluation shows that the use of NPWT has had a positive impact in terms of higher clinical effectiveness and safety profile. The process mapping highlights how NPWT allows a reduction of 2.5 hospitalization days compared with standard dressing, with the consequent benefits considering economic, organizational, and social aspects. A significant economic saving per patient emerged, with an overall optimization of the patient’s clinical pathway, impacting positively on the hospital’s capacity. The budget impact analysis shows that the higher number of patients treated with NPWT, the higher the economic advantages. Furthermore, assuming the patient’s perspective, it would generate an overall reduction in social costs of 28%. In conclusion, the results of this study provide helpful evidence-based information to policymakers through examinations of the relative values of intervention, thus supporting the overall hospital and institutional decision-making process to define appropriate areas of investments, leading to the achievement of not only higher clinical outcomes, but also important social, economic, and organizational advantages.
The Impact of Preventive Strategies Adopted during Large Events on the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of the Tokyo Olympics to Provide Guidance for Future Large Events
Authors: Yao Yina , Wang Pei , Zhang Hui
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to analyze the impact of hosting large events on the spread of pandemics, taking Tokyo Olympics 2020 as a case study. A risk assessment method for the whole organization process was established, which could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of various risk mitigation measures. Different scenarios for Games participants and Japanese residents during the Tokyo Olympics were designed based on the infection control protocols proposed by the Olympic Committee and local governments. A modified Wells–Riley model considering the influence of social distance, masking and vaccination, and an SIQRV model that introduced the effect of quarantine and vaccination strategies on the pandemic spread were developed in this study. Based on the two models, our predicted results of daily confirmed cases and cumulative cases were obtained and compared with reported data, where good agreement was achieved. The results show that the two core infection control strategies of the bubble scheme and frequent testing scheme curbed the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic during the Tokyo Olympics. Among Games participants, Japanese local staff accounted for more than 60% of the total in positive cases due to their large population and most relaxed travel restrictions. The surge in positive cases was mainly attributed to the high transmission rate of the Delta variant and the low level of immunization in Japan. Based on our simulation results, the risk management flaws for the Tokyo Olympics were identified and improvement measures were investigated. Moreover, a further analysis was carried out on the impact of different preventive measures with respect to minimizing the transmission of new variants with higher transmissibility. Overall, the findings in this study can help policymakers to design scientifically based and practical countermeasures to cope with pandemics during the hosting of large events.