bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 5Cs of Positive Youth Development, Purpose in Life, Hope, and Well-Being Among Emerging Adults in Malaysia
Authors: Abdul Kadir Nor Ba’yah , Mohd Rusyda Helma
Published: July 2021

A substantial body of evidence supports Lerner and colleagues’ 5Cs model of positive youth development (PYD) in the United States (U.S.). Nonetheless, it remains unclear whether the 5Cs can be used to identify positive development in the under-researched Asian contexts, such as Malaysia. Thus, this study examined the 5Cs of PYD (competence, confidence, character, connection, and caring) and their importance to purpose in life, hope, and well-being in a sample of emerging adult undergraduate university students in Malaysia. Data were collected from 400 participants from 15 Malaysian universities (132 males, 268 females; ages ranged from 18 to 26 years old, M = 22). A hierarchical multiple regression analysis indicated that two of the 5Cs of PYD (confidence and connection) as well as hope were important to explaining variation in well-being. The findings imply that there are strong links between PYD, especially confidence and connection, and well-being, while purpose in life and hope were indirectly related to the 2Cs (confidence and connection) of PYD and well-being. Therefore, mental health professionals are encouraged to review and redefine their treatment design to include confidence, connection, purpose in life and hope when working with Malaysian emerging adult university students.
Language Development in Early Childhood: Quality of Teacher-Child Interaction and Children’s Receptive Vocabulary Competency
Authors: Yang Ning , Shi Jiuqian , Lu Jinjin , Huang Yi
Published: July 2021

High-quality teacher-child interactions in early learning environments have been regarded as a key contributor to children’s early language and cognitive development in international scholarships. Little is known, however, about the longitudinal effects of children’s receptive vocabularies in the Chinese context. In this study, we addressed the question of such longitudinal effects by examining the predictive effect of preschool teacher-child interaction quality on children’s subsequent receptive vocabulary development in 42 kindergartens in Guangdong Province China. The results in a nested design showed that except for the factor of Emotional Support, the other two factors (Classroom Management and Instructional Support) were positive predictors to children’s vocabulary competency from K2 (T1) to K3 (T2) at preschools. Findings contribute to the growing international literature on the critical role teacher-child interaction quality plays in children’s language and literacy learning and development. Implications for enhancing communication channels between early childhood (EC) educators and decision-makers, and the strategies of the improvement of language and literacy teachers’ professional development are also discussed.
Impact of Future Work Self on Employee Workplace Wellbeing: A Self-Determination Perspective
Authors: Li Zhongqiu , Yang Yang , Zhang Xue , Lyu Zhuo
Published: July 2021

This study examines the association between future work self and employee workplace wellbeing by proposing a moderated mediation model. On the basis of the self-determination theory, self-management is identified as the mediator, and person–organization fit is recognized as the moderator in this study. We collected two waves of data from 239 Chinese employees. The results of the analysis revealed that the future work self is related to greater employee workplace wellbeing, and self-management mediates the links between them. We also found that the person–organization fit strengthens the positive relationship between future work self and self-management, and the indirect effect of future work self on employee workplace wellbeing through self-management. The results of this study extend the antecedents of employee workplace wellbeing and highlight the importance of future work self in current work-related output.
How Interpersonal Distance Between Avatar and Human Influences Facial Affect Recognition in Immersive Virtual Reality
Authors: del Aguila Juan , González-Gualda Luz M. , Játiva María Angeles , Fernández-Sotos Patricia , Fernández-Caballero Antonio , García Arturo S.
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal interpersonal distance (IPD) between humans and affective avatars in facial affect recognition in immersive virtual reality (IVR). The ideal IPD is the one in which the humans show the highest number of hits and the shortest reaction times in recognizing the emotions displayed by avatars. The results should help design future therapies to remedy facial affect recognition deficits.

Methods: A group of 39 healthy volunteers participated in an experiment in which participants were shown 65 dynamic faces in IVR and had to identify six basic emotions plus neutral expression presented by the avatars. We decided to limit the experiment to five different distances: D1 (35 cm), D2 (55 cm), D3 (75 cm), D4 (95 cm), and D5 (115 cm), all belonging to the intimate and personal interpersonal spaces. Of the total of 65 faces, 13 faces were presented for each of the included distances. The views were shown at different angles: 50% in frontal view, 25% from the right profile, and 25% from the left profile. The order of appearance of the faces presented to each participant was randomized.

Results: The overall success rate in facial emotion identification was 90.33%, being D3 the IPD with the best overall emotional recognition hits, although statistically significant differences could not be found between the IPDs. Consistent with results obtained in previous studies, identification rates for negative emotions were higher with increasing IPD, whereas the recognition task improved for positive emotions when IPD was closer. In addition, the study revealed irregular behavior in the facial detection of the emotion surprise.

Conclusions: IVR allows us to reliably assess facial emotion recognition using dynamic avatars as all the IPDs tested showed to be effective. However, no statistically significant differences in facial emotion recognition were found among the different IPDs.
Pathological Narcissism and Emotional Responses to Rejection: The Impact of Adult Attachment
Authors: Reis Samantha , Huxley Elizabeth , Eng Yong Feng Bryan , Grenyer Brin F. S.
Published: July 2021

Background:Aspects of pathological narcissism, such as grandiosity, vulnerability and entitlement, tend be enacted in therapeutic settings, negatively influencing outcome and alliance between the clients and therapist. This research took an experimental approach to understanding the interplay between the emotional reactions of individuals with a pathological narcissistic presentation, and adult attachment style. We predicted that participants reporting narcissistic vulnerability would report greater insecurity in attachment (fearful and preoccupied styles), greater trait emotional reactivity, and also experience more intense and negative responses to simulated rejection

Methods:269 participants (75.84% female, median age = 21) completed baseline and rejection trials of a virtual ball-tossing game, following the assessment of grandiose and vulnerable pathological narcissism, entitlement, adult attachment, trait emotional reactivity (measured prior to the rejection) and in-situ affective response (measured both before and after the rejection). Change in affect from baseline was calculated to capture affective responses to the manipulation.

Results:Vulnerable narcissism was positively associated with both fearful and preoccupied attachment, and negatively associated with secure and dismissive attachment, whilst grandiose narcissism was significantly related to preoccupied attachment only. Multiple hierarchical regression analyses showed vulnerable narcissism predicted both (1) more negative trait emotional reactivity and (2) a significant increase in negative affect following the rejection trial. Grandiose narcissism was associated with (1) higher positive trait emotional reactivity, and (2) significant reductions in positive affect following rejection.

Conclusion:Results indicated that those high in pathological narcissistic vulnerability reported greater insecurity in attachment, negative trait emotional reactivity and experienced a more negative and intense emotional reaction to rejection. Grandiose narcissism was related to a more deactivated pattern of emotional reactivity, and less positive (rather than more negative) emotional reactions. Findings have important implications for therapy, particularly regarding communication of emotions for individuals high in vulnerable and grandiose narcissism.
Lifetime Weight Characteristics of Adult Inpatients With Severe Anorexia Nervosa: Maximal Lifetime BMI Predicts Treatment Outcome
Authors: Kaufmann Lisa-Katrin , Moergeli Hanspeter , Milos Gabriella Franca
Published: July 2021

Background: The body mass index is a key predictor of treatment outcome in patients with anorexia nervosa. In adolescents, higher premorbid BMI is a strong predictor of a favorable treatment outcome. It is unclear whether this relationship holds true for adults with anorexia nervosa. Here, we examine adult patients with AN and investigate the lowest and highest lifetime BMI and weight suppression as predisposing factors for treatment outcome.

Methods: We included 107 patients aged 17–56 with anorexia nervosa and tracked their BMI from admission to inpatient treatment, through discharge, to follow-up at 1–6 years. Illness history, including lowest and highest lifetime BMI were assessed prior to admission. We used multiple linear regression models with minimal or maximal lifetime BMI or weight suppression at admission as independent variables to predict BMI at admission, discharge and follow-up, while controlling for patients' age, sex, and duration of illness.

Results: Low minimal BMI had a negative influence on the weight at admission, which in turn resulted in a lower BMI at discharge. Higher maximal BMI had a substantial positive influence on BMI at discharge and follow-up. Weight suppression was highly correlated with maximal BMI and showed similar effects to maximal BMI.

Conclusion: Our findings strongly support a relationship between low minimal lifetime BMI and lower BMI at admission, and between higher maximal lifetime BMI or weight suppression and a positive treatment outcome, even years after discharge. Overall, maximal BMI emerged as the most important factor in predicting the weight course in adults with AN.
Identification of Snails and Schistosoma of Medical Importance via Convolutional Neural Networks: A Proof-of-Concept Application for Human Schistosomiasis
Authors: Tallam Krti , Liu Zac Yung-Chun , Chamberlin Andrew J. , Jones Isabel J. , Shome Pretom , Riveau Gilles , Ndione Raphael A. , Bandagny Lydie , Jouanard Nicolas , Eck Paul Van , Ngo Ton , Sokolow Susanne H. , De Leo Giulio A.
Published: July 2021

In recent decades, computer vision has proven remarkably effective in addressing diverse issues in public health, from determining the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of diseases in humans to predicting infectious disease outbreaks. Here, we investigate whether convolutional neural networks (CNNs) can also demonstrate effectiveness in classifying the environmental stages of parasites of public health importance and their invertebrate hosts. We used schistosomiasis as a reference model. Schistosomiasis is a debilitating parasitic disease transmitted to humansviasnail intermediate hosts. The parasite affects more than 200 million people in tropical and subtropical regions. We trained our CNN, a feed-forward neural network, on a limited dataset of 5,500 images of snails and 5,100 images of cercariae obtained from schistosomiasis transmission sites in the Senegal River Basin, a region in western Africa that is hyper-endemic for the disease. The image set included both images of two snail genera that are relevant to schistosomiasis transmission – that is,Bulinusspp. andBiomphalaria pfeifferi– as well as snail images that are non-component hosts for human schistosomiasis. Cercariae shed fromBi. pfeifferi and Bulinusspp. snails were classified into 11 categories, of which only two,S. haematobiumandS. mansoni, are major etiological agents of human schistosomiasis. The algorithms, trained on 80% of the snail and parasite dataset, achieved 99% and 91% accuracy for snail and parasite classification, respectively, when used on the hold-out validation dataset – a performance comparable to that of experienced parasitologists. The promising results of this proof-of-concept study suggests that this CNN model, and potentially similar replicable models, have the potential to support the classification of snails and parasite of medical importance. In remote field settings where machine learning algorithms can be deployed on cost-effective and widely used mobile devices, such as smartphones, these models can be a valuable complement to laboratory identification by trained technicians. Future efforts must be dedicated to increasing dataset sizes for model training and validation, as well as testing these algorithms in diverse transmission settings and geographies.
Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in the Food Supply: A Public Health Issue
Authors: Kuenstner Lauren , Kuenstner John Todd
Published: July 2021

This article examines the policy implications of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) as a zoonotic pathogen and the public health risks posed by the presence of MAP in food, particularly milk products. Viable MAP has been cultured from commercially pasteurized milk in the US. Dairy pasteurization standards and regulations are examined in light of this finding. On the basis of the precautionary principle, the authors suggest options to reduce exposure to MAP, including (1) increased federal authority to regulate pasteurization of all dairy products, (2) modification of pasteurization standards in order to more effectively kill MAP, (3) removal of the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) provision that allows states to override federal policy in intrastate dairy sales, and (4) creation of a mandatory Johne's Disease Control Program. These measures would reduce human exposure to MAP and may reduce the risk of diseases associated with MAP.
Effect of Mobile Health Technology on Weight Control in Adolescents and Preteens: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yien Jui-Mei , Wang Hsiu-Hung , Wang Ruey-Hsia , Chou Fan-Hao , Chen Kuo-Hsiung , Tsai Fu-Sheng
Published: July 2021

Childhood obesity is a crucial public health concern. In recent years, numerous studies have employed mobile health technology applications for weight control in children but obtaining varying effects. We conducted a meta-analysis to discuss the effectiveness of mobile health technology in reducing the body mass index (BMI) of obese children. The standardized mean difference (SMD) in BMI between the intervention and control groups was employed to measure the effect of mobile health technology intervention on weight control. The Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Version 3 software was employed for meta-analysis, and the results are presented in a forest plot. This study included nine randomized control trials, which featured a total of 1,202 participants. The meta-analysis revealed that mobile health technology intervention did not have a significant weight loss effect on subjects with obesity. However, by using ethnicity as a moderating variable for subgroup analysis, we discovered that the BMI of ethnic Chinese groups who received mobile health technology intervention was significantly lower than that of the control group. This effect was not significant in the non-ethnic Chinese subgroup. Therefore, the use of mobile health technology intervention for weight control in ethnic Chinese children resulted in significantly lower BMI in these children; however, the use of mobile health technology intervention for weight control is unsuitable for non-ethnic Chinese children.
Can Sound Health Insurance Increase the Internal Circulation in the Economy of China?
Authors: Zhao Peng , Wang Li-Yong , Zhao Li
Published: July 2021

In 2020, President Xi Jinping put forward a constructing cycle that has been given priority in this study. This particular cycle, when considered within the inner loop and outer loop, promotes the guiding ideology of the new development pattern of the binary economy that exists in recent times. Therefore, to gauge the extent of the promotion of domestic production and consumption, from the perspectives of medical expenses, this study refers to the bootstrap rolling window causality method, which considers the evidence-based medical spending on the consumption Granger causality. The results show that the Granger causality exists between medical expenditure and consumption expenditure at different time interval endpoints. In contrast, however, the variable of consumption does not produce Granger causality between medical expenditure and consumption. In this regard, a series of measures, such as increasing medical insurance expenditure, improvement of the medical insurance system, reduction of the housing price rise, and increasing government investment have been proposed to promote the development of the domestic circular economy.
Khuluma: Using Participatory, Peer-Led and Digital Methods to Deliver Psychosocial Support to Young People Living With HIV in South Africa
Authors: Atujuna Millicent , Simpson Nikita , Ngobeni Malebo , Monese Tebogo , Giovenco Danielle , Pike Carey , Figerova Zuzana , Visser Maretha , Biriotti Maurice , Kydd Anna , Bekker Linda-Gail
Published: July 2021

Khuluma is a psychosocial and peer-to-peer mHealth intervention that uses text messaging to facilitate support groups for adolescents living with HIV (ALWH) with the aim of contributing toward positive health outcomes. Although use of mobile technology in the form of mHealth interventions has proliferated recently in the field of health, published literature describing methods and processes of its application are limited. We present a set of methods and processes utilised to develop and pilot the Khuluma mHealth intervention amongst young people (15–20 years) in South Africa. We recruited and enrolled 52 adolescents (15–20-year olds) from four clinics in Pretoria and Cape Town to participate in a 6-month pilot of Khuluma. Participants were ALWH, aware of their status, on antiretroviral therapy for more than 12 months, and not suffering from severe depression. We conducted four pre and post intervention focus group discussions (FGDs) with a proportion of ALWH (n= 36) enrolled in the pilot study using participatory methods. Several processes were utilised to then implement this pilot study. These included engaging ALWH for minor study implementation modifications; forming virtual groups; activating the mHealth platform; facilitating and delivering the Khuluma intervention. The acceptability of the intervention was informed by follow-up focus group discussions and text message data. The initial participatory processes helped to tailor the intervention design to participants' needs. The peer-led facilitation of the groups allowed for the provision of sensitive psychosocial support that allowed young people to express themselves freely, develop a sense of self-worth, and interact more. The nature of the mobile technology also allowed participants to build friendships beyond their geographic area and interact with their peers in real time. Within the evolving context of COVID-19, establishing evidence-based processes and methods for intervention design and curation in virtual spaces is critical.
Decision Framework to Balance Environmental, Technical, Logistical, and Economic Criteria When Designing Structures With Reused Components
Authors: Küpfer Célia , Bertola Numa , Brütting Jan , Fivet Corentin
Published: July 2021

The reuse of structural components in new buildings has great potential to reduce the environmental impacts of the construction sector but remains uncommon practice. An obstacle to its wider implementation is the lack of robust assessment methods and decision-making tools that consider the full spectrum of benefits and drawbacks. This paper proposes a multi-criteria decision framework that builds on a simulated set of design alternatives with varying ratios of reused and new structural components. A set of performance criteria is presented, addressing procurement risks, construction technique complexity, environmental impacts, and project costs. As the independent criterion evaluations often deliver conflicting results, a multi-criteria decision analysis helps identify the most appropriate solution. The design of a steel Pratt truss is used as a case study to demonstrate the applicability of the framework. Different alternatives with reuse rates above 65% are recommended for each preference scenario, reducing between 35 and 45% of adverse environmental impacts in comparison to an equivalent design made of new elements only. The study underpins the principle that there is no trivial and unique best option when designing with reused components. Multi-criteria decision analyses applied to structures with varying reuse rates constitute a promising tool to support decision-makers.
The Effects of Virtual Reality on Procedural Pain and Anxiety in Pediatrics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nordgård Rikke , Låg Torstein
Published: July 2021

Distraction and procedural preparation techniques are frequently used to manage pain and anxiety in children undergoing medical procedures. An increasing number of studies have indicated that Virtual Reality (VR) can be used to deliver these interventions, but treatment effects vary greatly. The present study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that have used VR to reduce procedural pain and anxiety in children. It is the first meta-analytic assessment of the potential influence of technical specifications (immersion) and degree of user-system interactivity on treatment effects. 65 studies were identified, of which 42 reported pain outcomes and 35 reported anxiety outcomes. Results indicate large effect sizes in favor of VR for both outcomes. Larger effects were observed in dental studies and studies that used non-interactive VR. No relationship was found between the degree of immersion or participant age and treatment effects. Most studies were found to have a high risk of bias and there are strong indications of publication bias. The results and their implications are discussed in context of these limitations, and modified effect sizes are suggested. Finally, recommendations for future investigations are provided.
Harnessing Hydropower Potential in Desert Regions: The Case of Wadi Dayqah Dam, Quriyat, Oman
Authors: Okedu Kenneth E. , Al Siyabi Mohsin Said
Published: July 2021

Hydropower technology is a simple and renewable form of energy that involves the conversion of potential energy due to head and mass flow rate of water into kinetic energy that drives a water turbine connected to a generator. In this paper, the potential of hydropower in the Sultanate of Oman is studied, considering Wadi Dayqah Dam in Quriyat. The following variables of the dam were used in evaluating its potential for electricity generation for the year 2010 through 2018: the amount of water flowing in and out of the dam and the amount of water available in the dam at the beginning and end of the considered years. A recommendation was made for the type of hydro turbine for maximum power extraction from the dam, based on the available water head and flow rate, considering the standard characteristic selection envelope for hydro turbines. Power generation from the dam could be affected as a result of the decline in reservoir water level, the continuous release of water for irrigation purposes, fear of the aftermath of a cyclone, lack of rains for consecutive years, and high evaporation. However, the occurrence of a cyclone increases the reservoir water level of the dam for more power generation. Some long-term scenarios for effective operation of the dam considering water availability and management were discussed. In addition, some ways of mitigating water loss from the reservoir of the dam through evaporation were proposed.
How Do Gut Bacteria Regulate Our Immune System?
Authors: Kadosh Dana , Geva-Zatorsky Naama
Published: July 2021

When we think about bacteria, we often think first about disease. While there are many bacteria that cause diseases, there are also many other bacteria that are useful for human health. The human body has an enormous number of these good bacteria, which work together and with the immune system to protect us against diseases. In this article, we will discuss this relationship between the good bacteria living inside us and the immune system. We will explain how we can study these helpful bacteria, and describe the tools and methods at our disposal, such as special mice whose bodies do not contain any bacteria. Finally, we will describe how we can use the good bacteria living in the human body to advance medicine and drug development.
Post-match Recovery Practices in Professional Football: Design, Validity, and Reliability of a New Questionnaire
Authors: Querido Sérgio M. , Brito João , Figueiredo Pedro , Carnide Filomena , Vaz João R. , Freitas Sandro R.
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Although several approaches have been proposed to mitigate post-match fatigue, few studies have been conducted in team sports to understand the types of recovery methods and the underlying reasons for the choices of medical and technical staff. This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable online questionnaire to assess the recovery practices implemented by football clubs within 72 h post-match.

Methods: Two research members developed the original questionnaire proposal, and two experts in sports science and sports medicine confirmed the content and face validities. Then, 20 football coaches (age: 39.4 ± 6.8 years) with a minimum of 5 years of experience in professional football (9.1 ± 4.9 years) and with an academic background participated in determining the ecological validity and reliability of the questionnaire. The acceptability and relevance of the questionnaire were determined using descriptive statistics.

Results: After confirming the content and face validities, one questionnaire section with two questions was excluded due to lack of relevance, seven open-ended questions were removed due to the adherence of small participants (i.e., 45.4%), and one section was divided into three to facilitate clearness in reading. The remaining sections were considered acceptable and relevant (>94.1%). About 91.8% of nominal and ordinal items derived from the questionnaire questions showed good to very good reliability outcomes (average k classification: 0.73 ± 0.13; min–max: 0.22–1.00, p < 0.05; average wk classification: 0.82 ± 0.15; min–max: 0.22–1.00, p < 0.05).

Conclusions: This study provided a novel, valid, reliable, and easy-to-use tool to examine the post-match recovery practices in professional football contexts.
Rating Player Actions in Soccer
Authors: Dick Uwe , Tavakol Maryam , Brefeld Ulf
Published: July 2021

We present a data-driven model that rates actions of the player in soccer with respect to their contribution to ball possession phases. This study approach consists of two interconnected parts: (i) a trajectory prediction model that is learned from real tracking data and predicts movements of players and (ii) a prediction model for the outcome of a ball possession phase. Interactions between players and a ball are captured by a graph recurrent neural network (GRNN) and we show empirically that the network reliably predicts both, player trajectories as well as outcomes of ball possession phases. We derive a set of aggregated performance indicators to compare players with respect to. to their contribution to the success of their team.
Heart Rate Variability During Physical Exercise Is Associated With Improved Cognitive Performance in Alzheimer's Dementia Patients—A Longitudinal Feasibility Study
Authors: Schwarck Svenja , Busse Nancy , Ziegler Gabriel , Glanz Wenzel , Becke Andreas , Düzel Emrah
Published: July 2021

Heart rate variability (HRV) rapidly gains attention as an important marker of cardiovascular autonomic modulation. Moreover, there is evidence for a link between the autonomic deficit measurable by reduced HRV and the hypoactivity of the cholinergic system, which is prominently affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite the positive influence of physical exercise on cognition and its promising association with HRV, previous studies did not explore the effect of long-term physical exercise in older adults with AD. Taking advantage of a longitudinal study we analyzed the effect of a 20-week dual task training regime (3 × 15-min per week) on the vagal mediated HRV index RMSSD (root mean square of successive RR interval differences) during physical exercise and the short-term memory performance in a AD cohort (N = 14). Each training contained physical exercise on a bicycle ergometer while memorizing 30 successively presented pictures as well as the associated post-exercise picture recognition memory test. Linear-mixed modeling revealed that HRV-RMSSD significantly increased over the intervention time. Moreover, the reaction time in the picture recognition task decreased while the accuracy remained stable. Furthermore, a significantly negative relationship between increased fitness measured by HRV-RMSSD and decreased reaction time was observed. This feasibility study points to the positive effects of a dual task regime on physical and cognitive fitness in a sample with impaired cognitive performance. Beyond this, the results show that the responsiveness of parasympathetic system as measured with HRV can be improved in patients with dementia.
Impact of a College Course on the Sustainability of Student Diets in Terms of the Planetary Boundaries for Climate Change and Land, Water, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Use
Authors: Whitener Victoria A. , Cook Brian , Spielbauer Ingrid , Nguyen Paula Karyn , Jay Jennifer A.
Published: July 2021

While it is widely acknowledged that shifts in diet could play a large role in mitigating climate change with important health co-benefits, knowledge on how to accomplish these shifts is lacking. Our previous study showed a statistically significant reduction in the dietary carbon footprint of students who had completed a college course on the connections between food and the environment compared to a control group enrolled in an unrelated course. An extension of the previous study, this research evaluates the sustainability of female and male diets in both the intervention and control groups from baseline to follow up with respect to the following planetary boundaries: greenhouse gases, land use, water use, nitrogen loss, and phosphorus use. In addition, a 50-point modified Alternative Healthy Eating Index was calculated at baseline and follow up for all students. Female students enrolled in the intervention course reported diets with statistically significant reductions in their footprints from baseline to follow up for greenhouse gases (p = 0.011), land use (p = 0.012), and phosphorus (p = 0.045), and the female diets were statistically different from the control groups for those three boundaries. For water use, female diets increased in footprint from baseline to follow up due to an increase in vegetable intake. Males enrolled in the intervention showed similar trends (reductions in footprints for greenhouse gases, land use, and phosphorus use and an increase in blue water use), but differences were not statistically significant, partially due to the smaller number of male respondents. Student dietary footprints are compared to a per capita limit allowable for food according to the planetary boundaries concept. For all of the planetary boundaries except blue water use, the student dietary footprints were well above the per capita boundary for food-related sources.
Single-Center Experience in the Endovascular Management of the Combination of Isolated Common and Internal Iliac Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Wang Wei , Wu Jianqiang , Shao Jiang , Xu Fang , Chen Yuexin , Liu Bao , Zheng Yuehong
Published: July 2021

Objective: The combination of isolated common and internal iliac artery aneurysms (CIIAA) are rare, life-threatening, abnormal conditions with relatively complex treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of CIIAA.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 26 patients with CIIAA consecutively treated between January 2010 and August 2020 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Demographic, clinical characteristic, treatment strategy and outcome data were collected and analyzed.

Results: Twenty-six patients (24 men and 2 women) with a mean age of 70 years were included. There was a total of 72 aneurysms, and the mean diameters of the common iliac artery aneurysms (CIAA) and internal iliac artery aneurysms (IIAA) were 36 and 38 mm, respectively. Ten patients (38%) presented with bilateral CIAA and unilateral IIAA, and eight (31%) had CIAA with ipsilateral IIAA. All patients were treated with endovascular repair, and the overall primary technical success rate was 100%. The surgical techniques mainly included combined bifurcated stent grafting and embolization (n = 11), combined straight stent grafting and embolization (n = 8), and internal iliac artery (IIA) reconstruction (n = 7). There were no patient deaths or reintervention during hospitalization. The mean follow-up time was 43 months, and the patency rate of the stent was 96.2%. The overall reintervention rate was 7.7%. During the follow-up period, there were no aneurysm-related deaths.

Conclusions: Endovascular repair involving stent graft placement, coil embolization and IIA revascularization is a safe and effective treatment for isolated CIIAA.
Evaluation of Tail Lesions of Finishing Pigs at the Slaughterhouse: Associations With Herd-Level Observations
Authors: Heinonen Mari , Välimäki Elina , Laakkonen Anne-Maija , Toppari Ina , Vugts Johannes , Fàbrega Emma , Valros Anna
Published: July 2021

The prevalence of tail lesions evaluated at the slaughterhouse varies considerably between herds. These lesions result mainly from tail biting, a harmful behavior with multifactorial origin. This study sought to investigate if a batchwise inspection of tails at slaughterhouse could be a useful method to estimate the animal welfare situation in finishing pig herds, and if so, what type and detail of tail scoring such an inspection should utilize. We investigated the distribution of different types of tail lesions and how well their scoring at slaughterhouse was associated with the situation recorded on-farm by a veterinarian as part of routine herd health visits. We also wanted to determine if animal welfare-related herd-level parameters, recorded by herd veterinarians during herd health visits, are associated with tail scoring at the slaughterhouse. A total of 10,517 pigtails from 84 herds were scored for this study. Herd data were collected from the national health classification register for pig farms in Finland and also included annual herd production quality data collected by the slaughterhouse. The scores of the tails varied considerably between the herds. On average, 48.1% (sd = 19.3) of the tails with an average length of 30.4 cm (sd = 2.7) were fully intact, 37.3% (13.9) had healed (length = 26.4, sd = 5.1 cm), 12.4% (9.0) (length = 28.9, sd = 4.3 cm) had minor acute wounds, and 2.3% (2.1) (length = 24.2, sd = 6.0 cm) had major acute wounds. Proportions of different tail lesions at slaughterhouse were associated with or tended to be associated with the following herd-level parameters in regression models: use of wood as enrichment (p < 0.1), one health parameter (leg problems other than arthritis, p < 0.05), and long-term animal welfare estimate (annual mortality, p < 0.05). Detailed tail evaluation at the slaughterhouse shows potential in estimating the tail lesions and long-term welfare level on the farm. By recording only one type of tail condition (such as tails with major acute lesions) at the slaughterhouse, it is not possible to estimate the total tail lesion situation in the herds before slaughter. A more detailed scoring similar to the one used in this trial is recommended.
Composition of the Fecal Microbiota of Piglets at Various Growth Stages
Authors: Yang Yang , Liu Yadan , Liu Juan , Wang Haizhen , Guo Yulong , Du Min , Cai Chunbo , Zhao Yan , Lu Chang , Guo Xiaohong , Cao Guoqing , Duan Zhibian , Li Bugao , Gao Pengfei
Published: July 2021

Gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota play an important role in promoting growth in piglets. However, studies on microbiota composition at various growth stages are lacking. We measured body weights of Jinfen White and Mashen piglets every 7 days and collected their fecal samples by rectal swabbing at nine time points during suckling (1–28 days) and nursery (35–70 days) stages to gain insight into microbiota variability during piglet growth. The fecal microbiota were characterized via 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze the effects of microbial diversity on piglet growth and development preliminarily. The results showed that although the two breeds of piglets have similar body weights at birth, weaned Jinfen White piglets demonstrated a significantly greater body weight and daily weight gain than weaned Mashen piglets (P < 0.01). A total of 1,976 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) belonging to 27 phyla and 489 genera were uncovered, in which the highest numbers of OTUs belong to the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, and Prevotellaceae NK3B31 groups accounting for 12.4, 8.8, and 5.8% of OTUs, respectively, showed relatively high abundance at the genus level. Nine sampling time points were divided into three growth stages, namely, immediate postfarrowing (1 day old), suckling (7, 14, and 21 days old), and nursery (28, 35, 49, 63, and 70 days old), on the basis of the results of microbial diversity, principal coordinate, and co-occurrence network analyses. In addition, it identified 54 discriminative features in the microbiota between two breeds of piglets by LEfSe analysis, in which 17 genera enriched the microbiota community of Jinfen White piglets. Finally, abundances of 29 genera showed significant positive correlations with body weights and daily weight gain of piglets. Conversely, abundances of 12 genera demonstrated significant negative correlations with body weights of piglets. The results of our study will provide a theoretical basis for succession patterns in fecal microbiota of piglets and suggest the need for meticulous management of piglets in pig production.
The New Era of Canine Science: Reshaping Our Relationships With Dogs
Authors: MacLean Evan L. , Fine Aubrey , Herzog Harold , Strauss Eric , Cobb Mia L.
Published: July 2021

Canine science is rapidly maturing into an interdisciplinary and highly impactful field with great potential for both basic and translational research. The articles in thisFrontiersResearch Topic,Our Canine Connection: The History, Benefits and Future of Human-Dog Interactions, arise from two meetings sponsored by the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace Leadership Institute, which convened experts from diverse areas of canine science to assess the state of the field and challenges and opportunities for its future. In this finalPerspectivepaper, we identify a set of overarching themes that will be critical for a productive and sustainable future in canine science. We explore the roles of dog welfare, science communication, and research funding, with an emphasis on developing approaches that benefit people and dogs, alike.
Exposure to Tick-Borne Pathogens in Cats and Dogs Infested With Ixodes scapularis in Quebec: An 8-Year Surveillance Study
Authors: Duplaix Lauriane , Wagner Victoria , Gasmi Salima , Lindsay L. Robbin , Dibernardo Antonia , Thivierge Karine , Fernandez-Prada Christopher , Arsenault Julie
Published: July 2021

Cats that spend time outdoors and dogs are particularly at risk of exposure to ticks and the pathogens they transmit. A retrospective study on data collected through passive tick surveillance was conducted to estimate the risk of exposure to tick-borne pathogens in cats and dogs bitten by blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) in the province of Quebec, Canada, from 2010 to 2017. Blacklegged ticks collected from these host animals were tested by PCR forBorrelia burgdorferisensu stricto,Borrelia miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, andBabesia microti. A total of 13,733 blacklegged ticks were collected from 12,547 animals. Most ticks were adult females and partially engorged. In total, 1,774 cats were infested with ticks and 22.6 and 2.7% of these animals were bitten by at least one tick infected withB. burgdorferiandA. phagocytophilum, respectively. For the 10,773 tick infested dogs, 18.4% were exposed toB. burgdorferipositive ticks while 1.9% of infested dogs were exposed to ticks infected withA. phagocytophilum. The risk of exposure of both cats and dogs toB. miyamotoiandB. microtiwas lower since only 1.2 and 0.1% of ticks removed were infected with these pathogens, respectively. Traveling outside of the province of Quebec prior to tick collection was significantly associated with exposure to at least one positive tick forB. burgdorferi, A. phagocytophilumandB. microti. Animals exposed toB. burgdorferiorB. miyamotoipositive tick(s) were at higher risk of being concurrently exposed toA. phagocytophilum;higher risk of exposure toB. microtiwas also observed in animals concurrently exposed toB. burgdorferi. The odds of dogs havingB. burgdorferiantibodies were higher when multiple ticks were collected on an animal. The testing and treatment strategies used on dogs bitten by infected ticks were diverse, and misconceptions among veterinarians regarding the treatment of asymptomatic butB. burgdorferi-seropositive dogs were noted. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that cats and dogs throughout Quebec are exposed to blacklegged ticks infected withB. burgdorferiandA. phagocytophilum, and veterinarians across the province need to be aware of this potential threat to the health of pets and their owners.
Associations Between Lifestyle Factors and Reduced Kidney Function in US Older Adults: NHANES 1999–2016
Authors: Chang Horng-Jinh , Lin Kuan-Reng , Lin Meng-Te , Chang Junn-Liang
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the associations between lifestyle factors and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels in older adults by analyzing the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (1999–2016).

Methods: A total of 10,052 eligible participants were divided into two groups: reduced eGFR group (eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2) and normal group (eGFR ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2). The primary factors were physical activity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and comorbidities.

Results: Multivariable analysis revealed that older age, proteinuria, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hyperuricemia, and hypertension were significantly associated with higher odds of reduced kidney function. Sufficient physical activity, current alcohol consumption, and being a current smoker were significantly associated with lower odds of reduced kidney function. However, subgroup analysis by sex revealed that the effects of proteinuria, current alcohol consumption, and sufficient physical activity were sex-specific.

Conclusion: Several risk and beneficial factors for reduced kidney function in adults aged 65 and above in the United States were identified, but some of them might be sex-specific. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings in other populations and countries.
La experiencia es una intervención bioquímica: una reconceptualización del “trastorno mental con base biológica”
Authors: Siedel Jason A.
Published: July 2021

La evidencia empírica pone en cuestión la validez discriminante del constructo “trastorno mental con base biológica” (TMBB). Los datos indican que intervenciones tales como la psicoterapia, el placebo o la medicación producen, cuando resultan eficaces, cambios similares en la fisiología cerebral. Los estudios sobre fármacos y con técnicas de neuroimagen demuestran que los fenómenos psicológicos y bioquímicos se influyen mutuamente. Los datos sugieren que los trastornos mentales se expresan biológicamente, no que sean epifenómenos de un proceso biológico. En este trabajo se aportan sugerencias de investigación futura y conceptualizaciones alternativas que pueden conducir a cambios en la política sanitaria.
El psicoterapeuta ante el reto de una sociedad con creciente pluralismo y diversidad cultural
Authors: Rosal Ramón
Published: July 2021

En los últimos cincuenta años se ha producido en nuestro país un importante crecimiento de diversidad socio-cultural. Una de sus manifestaciones es el pluralismo en métodos psicoterapéuticos. Además de la vía verbal se utilizan las vías de la actividad imaginaria y la psicocorporal. En este trabajo se exponen diez precauciones que conviene que tengan presentes los terapeutas que atiendan a ciudadanos inmigrantes. Su objetivo es que estos pacientes se sientan auténticamente comprendidos, sin la influencia de estereotipos, prejuicios o generalizaciones que no consideran la singularidad de cada persona. Asimismo, que las técnicas utilizadas se adapten a sus características psico-culturales diferenciales. Se propone también –con finalidad preventiva– una fórmula de encuentros grupales en los que, aparte de la escucha empática de estilo rogeriano se apliquen técnicas con imágenes y fantasía.
Hybrid Artificial Intelligence HFS-RF-PSO Model for Construction Labor Productivity Prediction and Optimization
Authors: Ebrahimi Sara , Fayek Aminah Robinson , Sumati Vuppuluri
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a novel approach, using hybrid feature selection (HFS), machine learning (ML), and particle swarm optimization (PSO) to predict and optimize construction labor productivity (CLP). HFS selects factors that are most predictive of CLP to reduce the complexity of CLP data. Selected factors are used as inputs for four ML models for CLP prediction. The study results showed that random forest (RF) obtains better performance in mapping the relationship between CLP and selected factors affecting CLP, compared with the other three models. Finally, the integration of RF and PSO is developed to identify the maximum CLP value and the optimum value of each selected factor. This paper introduces a new hybrid model named HFS-RF-PSO that addresses the main limitation of existing CLP prediction studies, which is the lack of capacity to optimize CLP and its most predictive factors with respect to a construction company’s preferences, such as a targeted CLP. The major contribution of this paper is the development of the hybrid HFS-RF-PSO model as a novel approach for optimizing factors that influence CLP and identifying the maximum CLP value.