bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Support for Mothers, Fathers, or Guardians of Transgender Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review on the Dynamics of Secondary Social Networks
Authors: Abreu Paula D. , Andrade Rubia L. P. , Maza Israel L. S. , Faria Mariana G. B. F. , Valença Ana B. M. , Araújo Ednaldo C. , Palha Pedro F. , Arcêncio Ricardo A. , Pinto Ione C. , Ballestero Jaqueline G. A. , Almeida Sandra A. , Nogueira Jordana A. , Monroe Aline A.
Published: July 2022

Mothers’, fathers’, or guardians’ support for disclosures of diverse gender identity has significant relationships with decreased suicidality for transgender children and adolescents. They play an essential role in facing transphobia, protecting trans children, and strengthening the expression of their identity. These guardians need structural, emotional, and informative support; they need to be prepared to recognize and manage of their own feelings, as well as deal with the challenges that come with new social contexts of transphobia in schools, health institutions, and other community spaces. This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence on the dynamics of secondary social networks to support mothers, fathers, or guardians of transgender children and adolescents. This is a systematic review of qualitative studies, guided by PRISMA guidelines. Controlled and free vocabularies were used to survey the primary studies in the following databases: EMBASE; Scopus; MEDLINE; Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL); PsycInfo; Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS); and Web of Science. A total of 28 articles made up the final sample of this review. Secondary social networks were described as fragile, characterized by conflicting and broken ties with healthcare services and professionals, isolation and unpreparedness from schools, and emotional and informational support from peer groups and some qualified healthcare professionals. The literature shows the potential of the dynamics of secondary social support networks; however, it presented the unpreparedness of professionals and institutional policies for welcoming transgender children and adolescents and their families, with the peer group being the main emotional and informative support network.
Photorefraction with Spot Vision Screener versus Visual Acuity Testing as Community-Based Preschool Vision Screening at the Age of 3.5 Years in Japan
Authors: Matsuo Toshihiko , Matsuo Chie , Kayano Masami , Mitsufuji Aya , Satou Chiyori , Matsuoka Hiroaki
Published: July 2022

Nationwide in Japan, a community-based vision-screening program in 3.5-year-old children is conducted in three steps: questionnaires and home visual acuity testing as the primary screening; visual acuity testing by nurses and pediatricians’ inspection in community health centers as the secondary screening; and examinations by ophthalmologists as the tertiary screening. In this study, we introduced photorefraction with a Spot vision screener in addition to visual acuity testing to answer the clinical question of whether photorefraction could better detect eye diseases and potentially replace visual acuity testing. Photorefraction was performed on 813 consecutive 3.5-year-old children in a center. The children were sent to tertiary examinations, which were based on the Spot vision screener standard, in addition to the visual acuity testing standard: failure in either eye to pass 0.5 visual acuity in a center. A notice to visit ophthalmologists was issued for 95 children (11%), and documents with the diagnosis were sent back to the Heath Office for 76 children (80%). The rate of children with anisometropic or ametropic amblyopia or accommodative esotropia as treatment-requiring diseases was highest in cases of no pass at both standards (10/15 = 66%), and higher in cases of no pass only at the Spot vision screener standard (13/45 = 28%), compared with cases of no pass only at the visual acuity testing standard (6/33 = 18%, p = 0.0031). Photorefraction, in addition to visual acuity testing and inspection led to additional eye diseases detection at 3.5 years. Visual acuity testing at home would not be omitted in the introduction of photorefraction.
Spatial Variations and Determinants of Anemia among Under-five Children in Nepal, DHS (2006–2016)
Authors: Sharma Shristi , Acharya Bipin Kumar , Wu Qian
Published: July 2022

Anemia among under-five children is the major health problem in Nepal. The lack of nutritional supplementation and lack of healthcare facilities are influential factors of anemia. Thus, the main objective of this study is to explore spatial variations and determinants of anemia among under-five children in Nepal. Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data from 2006 to 2016 were used in this study, which includes: household and individual-level data of 8555 under-five children, whose anemia was measured. In addition, a total of 260 (2006), 281 (2011), and 383 DHS clusters (2016) were taken in consideration for spatial analysis. The overall prevalence of anemia was 48.9%, 46.4%, and 52.2% in 2006, 2011, and 2016 respectively. The spatial analysis revealed a nonrandom spatial distribution, where statistically significant hotspots and coldspots were detected in different parts of the country. The results also identified mother’s age, mother’s educational level, socioeconomic status of household, number of under-5 children, household size, birth weight, underweight, stunting, diarrhea, and fever as associated factors of anemia among under-5 children. These findings may provide assistance to concerned health officials in adopting anemia-related programs and policies to address the anemia problems that plague Nepalese children under the age of five.
Effects of Human Rights Sensitivity on Empathy and Working Relationship in Mental Health Social Workers: Using Vignettes of Schizophrenia and Alcoholism
Authors: Lee Minhwa , Seo Mikyung
Published: July 2022

Human rights sensitivity (HRS) is essential for social workers advocating for and providing services to people with mental illness. In this study, the authors employed vignettes of two chronic mental illnesses—schizophrenia and alcoholism—to analyze the moderating effect of HRS on association between empathy and working relationship by hierarchical regression analysis. In total 245 social workers in mental health (M age = 36.44, SD = 6.61, male 22.0%, female 78.0%) participated in the study. Differences were found in empathy levels and working relationships in schizophrenia and alcoholism vignettes. Levels of empathy, intrinsic helping and emotional support (behavioral dimension), client respect, and emotional relatedness as well as respect and acceptance in working relationships were significantly higher for schizophrenia than for the alcoholism vignette. Further, empathy and HRS significantly predicted the quality of working relationships in schizophrenia and alcoholism vignettes. Levels for positive work relationships increased with empathy and HRS. The effects of empathy on working relationship were augmented among social workers with a high level of HRS only in the vignette of schizophrenia. Based on these results, the authors emphasize the importance of HRS and propose strategies to enhance it.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Obstacle Factors Analysis of Tourism Ecological Security in Huanggang Dabieshan UNESCO Global Geopark
Authors: Chen Mengting , Zheng Liang , Zhang Dike , Li Jiangfeng
Published: July 2022

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Global Geoparks (UGGp) and geotourism activities not only improve people’s scientific quality by popularizing geoscience knowledge, but also play important roles in protecting precious geoheritages and promoting the development of regional economies. However, tourism activities also have a negative impact on the local ecological environment, placing the regional ecological system under great pressure. Therefore, this paper constructed a tourism ecological security evaluation indicator system suitable for geoparks by using the “Driving-Pressure-State-Impact-Response” (DPSIR) model. The spatial autocorrelation and obstacle degree model are used to analyze the spatio-temporal characteristics and influencing factors of the tourism ecological security index (TESI) of Huanggang Dabieshan UGGp in 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2018, respectively. The results indicate that the TESI of the study area has gradually improved from 2000 to 2018. Spatially, the level of TESI presents a gradient distribution from the townships where the main scenic spots are located to the surrounding townships. The main obstacle factors affecting TESI include: per capita tourism income, proportion of comprehensive tourism revenue in GDP, per capita net income of rural residents, proportion of tertiary industry in GDP, coverage of nature reserves, planning integrity of geopark, informatization of geopark, growth rate of tourists, comprehensive utilization rate of solid waste, etc. The influencing factors of TESI varied from time to time. Balancing the conflict between local tourism activities and environmental protection, encouraging the participation of local communities, and strengthening science popularization for the local public will effectively improve the tourism ecological security of geoparks.
Early Complications and Results of Preserflo MicroShunt in the Management of Uncontrolled Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Case Series
Authors: Saeed Emil , Zalewska Renata , Konopińska Joanna
Published: July 2022

We analyze the surgical outcomes and early complications with their management of the Preserflo MicroShunt (Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan) at six-month follow-up. The study is conducted between March 2021 and May 2022. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) logMAR, intraocular pressure (IOP), and changes in glaucoma medications are assessed. Thirty eyes of 30 patients (22 women [73.3%] and 8 men [26.7%]) are included. They are augmented with mitomycin C (MMC) 0.5 mg/mL (8 subjects) or MMC 0.2 mg/mL (22 subjects) intraoperatively. BCVA is significantly higher one day after the treatment than before the treatment (MD with 95% CI = 0.05 (<0.01; 0.30); p = 0.045) when analyzing all patients. Such dependency is not observed when analyzing only patients treated with MMC 0.2 or 0.5 mg/mL (p > 0.050 for both analyses). No other statistically significant differences are detected in the level of BCVA before and after treatment. Among the patients, overall IOP is significantly lower at each time point after treatment than before surgery (p < 0.001 for all analyses). Among patients augmented with MMC 0.2 mg/mL, the IOP level is also significantly lower at each time point after treatment than before treatment (p ≤ 0.001 for all analyses). The same differences are observed among patients with MMC = 0.5—the IOP level is significantly lower at each time point after treatment than before treatment (p < 0.050 for all analyses). Five subjects (16.7%) require anti-glaucoma medications three months after the procedure. Early complications (hypotony, choroidal effusion, keratitis, hyphema, and bleb fibrosis) are observed in 46.7% of cases. Our early results show that Preserflo MicroShunt is safe and effective for lowering IOP; however, it is not free from transient complications.
Eco-Stoichiometric Characteristics of Rhizosphere and Bulk Soils of Smilax china L. along Vertical Zone Spectrum of Fanjing Mountain
Authors: Liu Yingying , Luo Wenmin , Wen Ximei , Mu Guiting , Wu Xianliang , Zhang Zhenming
Published: July 2022

To explore the correlations between nutrients and stoichiometric characteristics in the rhizosphere and bulk soils of understory Smilax china L. in forest ecosystems at different altitudes and to clarify the rhizosphere effect of understory vegetation in forest ecosystems and its response strategy to altitude, providing a theoretical basis for better forest ecological environment protection and high-quality development in Fanjing Mountain. Understory Smilax china L. at four different altitudes were selected, with the differences and influencing factors of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) mass fractions and stoichiometric ratios in their rhizosphere and bulk soils analyzed. The average mass fractions of total C, total N and alkali-hydrolyzed N in the rhizosphere and bulk soils of Smilax china L. at different altitudes were 224.43 and 181.55 g·kg−1; 9.56 and 6.81 g·kg−1; and 648.19 and 600.70 g·kg−1, respectively. The rhizosphere effect of Smilax china L. was significant at altitudes of 500 m and 1000 m but became not so prominent with the rise of altitude. The C:N ratio in the rhizosphere and bulk soils ranged from 19.51 to 39.75 and the C:P ratio ranged from 225.29 to 543.05. C accumulation is greater than N accumulation in the rhizosphere and bulk soils of Smilax china L., and both present P limitation. Based on the comprehensive analysis of the mass fractions and eco-stoichiometric ratios of soil nutrients, the P limitation in Fanjing Mountain forest ecosystem is commonly seen and should be addressed.
Prevalence and Possible Etiological Factors of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in Population of Silesian Children in Poland: A Pilot Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ilczuk-Rypuła Danuta , Zalewska Marzena , Pietraszewska Daria , Dybek Anna , Nitecka-Buchta Aleksandra , Postek-Stefańska Lidia
Published: July 2022

(1) Background: This pilot retrospective cohort research study regarded the frequency of the prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in a population of Silesian children in Poland. The evaluation of the potential environmental etiological factors was performed and the correlation between the environmental factors and MIH was analyzed. (2) Methods: A total of 613 children were randomly enrolled in the pilot study (9.0 years ± 1.9). A survey was carried out with mothers regarding the potential exposure to environmental etiological factors of MIH in their children. The patients’ clinical assessments were carried out in the dental unit. (3) Results: The frequency of prevalence of MIH in the population of Silesian children was established at the level of 6.2% (p < 0.05). MIH symptoms were significantly associated with otitis in early childhood (OR = 2.50), atopic dermatitis (OR = 5.69), and premature delivery before 38 weeks of pregnancy (OR = 2.88). (4) Conclusions: MIH was observed in 6.2% of the population of Silesian children, and there was a relationship between environmental risk factors such as otitis, atopic dermatitis, premature birth, and MIH expression. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the influence of pre-, peri-, postnatal, and prophylactic factors on the frequency and severity of MIH symptoms in children.
A Grounded Theory Study on the Intention to Work While Ill among Workers with Musculoskeletal Disorders: An In-Depth Understanding of Workers’ Experiences
Authors: Yusoff Hanizah Mohd , Sundaram Vevya , Sobri Hanani Nabilah Mohd , Abdul Kadir Nor Ba’yah
Published: July 2022

Background: Frequent short-term sickness absence is prevalent among workers with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This in return leads to poor productivity in organizations and decreased ability to work among workers. Nevertheless, some workers with MSDs still continue to work despite pain and are able to maintain their productivity. Existing literature on attending work while ill is very limited. Understanding the factors influencing workers’ attendance to work while having symptoms is crucial to help workers live with their MSD productively and healthily. According to literature on behavior theories, the proximal determinant of behavior is one’s intention to engage in that behavior. Thus, this study was conducted to explore the factors that influence the intention to work while ill among workers with MSD. Methods: Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide according to a grounded theory approach. Workers with MSD were recruited via a purposive and snowballing sampling until data saturation was attained. Data were analyzed by means of thematic analysis using computer software, ATLAS.ti. Results: Nine major significant themes of factors influencing the intention to work while ill were identified after transcription. From these, a total of six themes were associated with attendance incentives driving workers to attend work while ill (work commitment, work satisfaction, support from colleagues, workplace arrangements, ability to recover at home and ability to manage pain at work) and three themes were linked to attendance requirements (consequences to self, consequences to others and poor acceptance of one’s illness for sickness absence by supervisor and colleagues) faced by workers to attend work while ill. Conclusions: This study underlines the importance of both positive and negative motivators in influencing the intention to work while ill among workers with MSD. Future research suggests comparing both motivators in terms of work performance to aid more workers to work while ill.
Assessment of Challenging Behavior Exhibited by People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reyes-Martín Juliana , Simó-Pinatella David , Font-Roura Josep
Published: July 2022

The assessment of challenging behavior exhibited by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities is essential for the planning of prevention and intervention programs. This review aimed to identify and analyze the standardized instruments that exclusively focus on the assessment of challenging behavior. We identified and organized 141 articles into four categories: original instrument studies, validation studies, relational studies, and intervention studies. The results identified 24 instruments that generally show high-quality psychometric properties and other utilities beyond the observation of the presence of challenging behavior and diagnostic categorization. Age, level of adaptive behavior, disability, presence of autism spectrum disorder, and medication are some of the variables that were found to be possibly related to the occurrence of challenging behavior. Additionally, the results suggest that interventions focused on supporting positive behavior or providing training on behavior to professionals and caregivers significantly reduced the occurrence of these behaviors. Instruments that help us to understand and measure the challenging behavior exhibited by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are essential for the design of effective evaluation and intervention protocols.
Spatio-Temporal Pattern of Green Agricultural Science and Technology Progress: A Case Study in Yangtze River Delta of China
Authors: Qian Chen , Xu Caiyao , Kong Fanbin
Published: July 2022

Green agricultural science and technology progress (GASTP) plays an important role in the green transformation of agriculture. This study calculates the contribution rate of GASTP by using the Super-SBM model in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) from 2011 to 2020. The exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) method and the Fixed Effect (FE) panel data model method were adopted to empirically analyze the spatio-temporal patterns of GASTP and its driving mechanism in the YRD. The results showed that: (i) except for Shanghai from 2011 to 2015, the contribution rate of GASTP in the YRD was generally lower than 1 in Anhui Province, Jiangsu Province, and Zhejiang Province, (ii) the level of GASTP had a positive spatial correlation with the study period, except for 2017, and (iii) per capita GDP, agricultural mechanization level, agricultural financial support, and planting structure are four influencing factors of GASTP in the YRD, while total retail sales of social consumer goods and total exports did not have significant effects on GASTP in the YRD. Therefore, we need to increase the opportunities to exchange GASTP experience between cities, improve the environment for agricultural technology extension, and develop follow-up monitoring mechanisms.
How Does Family Intergenerational Relationships Affect the Life Satisfaction of Middle-Aged and Elderly Parents in Urban Only-Child Families in Chengdu, China
Authors: Zeng Tonggang , Yang Yongchun , Man Shan
Published: July 2022

Over the past 40 years, the implementation of the family planning policy in China has led to the creation of many only-child families. In the process of modernization and urbanization, it is critical to focus on the intergenerational relationships in only-child families and their associational mechanism on the life satisfaction of middle-aged and elderly parents, which has crucial implications for them staying active and healthy aging. Using the survey data from Chengdu, China, this study analyzed the characteristics of only-child parents’ life satisfaction and family intergenerational relationships, and explored the associational mechanism of family intergenerational relationships on only-child parents’ life satisfaction in urban families, as well as the possible moderating role of gender. The results indicate that there are gender differences in the life satisfaction of only-child parents in urban families, and men are more satisfied than women. Moreover, parents of sons and daughters differ in life satisfaction from the dual-gender perspective. Parents of daughters are likely to have higher life satisfaction, especially mothers. The only-child families have not moved toward nucleation in urban families, and intergenerational members maintain close contact and provide frequent mutual support to achieve individual and family development. There are significant gender differences in structural, associational, affectual, and functional solidarity among only-child. This study confirms that there are differences in the associational mechanism of family intergenerational relationships on life satisfaction in different dimensions. Affectual solidarity is the most influential factor of life satisfaction. In terms of normative and consensual solidarity, gender plays a moderating role. For men, normative and consensual solidarity is beneficial for improving life satisfaction, but it has an insignificant effect on women. The effects of structural solidarity, association solidarity, and functional solidarity are not significant.
Investigation of Rice Yields and Critical N Losses from Paddy Soil under Different N Fertilization Rates with Iron Application
Authors: Shen Weishou , Long Yaou , Qiu Zijian , Gao Nan , Masuda Yoko , Itoh Hideomi , Ohba Hirotomo , Shiratori Yutaka , Rajasekar Adharsh , Senoo Keishi
Published: July 2022

The application of iron powder stimulated the growth of iron-reducing bacteria as a respiratory substrate and enhanced their nitrogen (N)-fixing activity in flooded paddy soils. High N fertilization (urea) in the flooded paddy soils has caused adverse environmental impacts such as ammonia (NH3) volatilization, nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, and nitrate (NO3−) leaching. This study aims to investigate the effects of N fertilization rates in combination with an iron amendment on rice yields and N losses from flooded paddy fields. We performed a 2-year field plot experiment with traditional rice–wheat rotation in China’s Yangtze River Delta. The investigation consisted of seven treatments, including 100%, 80%, 60%, and 0% of the conventional N (urea and commercial organic manure) fertilization rate, and 80%, 60%, and 0% of the conventional N with the iron powder (≥99% purity) amendment. The rice yields decreased with a reduction in the conventional N fertilization rate, whereas they were comparable after the iron application under the 80% and 60% conventional N rate. The critical N losses, including NH3 volatilization, N2O emissions, and NO3− and NH4+ leaching, generally decreased with a reduction in the conventional N fertilization rate. These N losses were significantly greater after the iron amendment compared with the non-amended treatments under the 80% and 60% conventional N fertilization rate in the first rice-growing season. However, it was comparable between the iron-amended and the non-amended treatments in the second season. Furthermore, NO3− leaching was the most significant N loss throughout the two rice seasons, followed by NH3 volatilization. The iron amendment significantly increased soil Fe2+ content compared with the non-amended treatments irrespective of N fertilization, suggesting the reduction of amended iron by iron-reducing bacteria and their simultaneous N fixation. A combination of the iron application with 60–80% of the conventional N fertilization rate could maintain rice yields similar to the conventional N fertilization rate while reducing the critical N losses in the flooded paddy field tested in this study. Our study leads to the establishment of novel and practical rice cultivation, which is a step towards the development of green agriculture.
Health Literacy and Exercise to Treat Frailty in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A National Survey Study
Authors: Wang Chia-Hui , Chang Wen-Pei , Chen Su-Ru , Cheng Wan-Ju , Chou Kuei-Ru , Pien Li-Chung
Published: July 2022

Aging is a major challenge facing modern society and has attracted global attention. Studies have provided some initial evidence that health literacy plays a role in determining frailty; however, most of these studies have used small convenience samples of individuals recruited from geographically limited areas, thus limiting the generalizability of their findings. The present study explored the relationships among health literacy, exercise, and frailty in Taiwanese older adults by using the data of a national population-based survey. We retrieved data from the Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging, a population-based survey. We gathered the 2015 data on the age, sex, education level, marital status, exercise habits, and activities of daily living (ADLs) of each eligible respondent. We evaluated the respondents’ health literacy by using a nine-item health literacy scale and categorized their health literacy level as low, medium, or high. Frailty was diagnosed according the Fried criteria. Our final sample consisted of 7702 community-dwelling older adults (3630 men and 4072 adults). Of these, 25.3% had low health literacy. The proportion of respondents who had two or more disabilities in terms of ADLs or instrumental ADLs was higher among the women (36.4% and 12.6%, respectively), and regular exercise was more common among the men (19.6%). Frailty was more prevalent among the women; the prevalence of frailty among the male and female respondents was 4.5% and 8.1%, respectively. High health literacy and regular exercise were protective factors for frailty. According to our results, poor health literacy is a risk factor for prefrailty and frailty, and regular exercise is significantly negatively associated with prefrailty and frailty. Additional studies are necessary to define practical strategies for reducing the risks of disability and death for older adults with low health literacy who do not exercise regularly, thereby improving their quality of life.
A Discussion on the Application of Terminology for Urban Soil Sealing Mitigation Practices
Authors: Rodríguez-Rojas María I. , Grindlay Moreno Alejandro L.
Published: July 2022

Soil sealing is one of the most serious environmental problems today regarding its impact on cities. This article presents an analysis of the different urban practices currently used to mitigate the effects of soil sealing in urban areas. The main typologies, characteristics, differences, similarities and objectives have been considered. The practices analyzed were SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems), LIDs (Low Impact Developments), BMPs (Best Management Practices), WSUD (Water Sensitive Urban Design), GI (Green Infrastructure), and NbS (Nature-based Solutions). To understand the impact of these terms, an analysis of their presence in the scientific literature over the last 10 years is carried out. The results indicate that the trend in the use of these terms is increasing, with the number of articles having doubled in the last 10 years. This indicates the importance that the problem of soil sealing has acquired in the world, and the relevant environmental benefits of addressing it.
The Role of COVID-19 Vaccine Perception, Hope, and Fear on the Travel Bubble Program
Authors: Almokdad Eeman , Kiatkawsin Kiattipoom , Kaseem Mosab
Published: July 2022

The travel bubble program presented an appealing strategy for reopening international travel safely. However, a full vaccination regime is the foremost prerequisite of the program. Therefore, vaccination and the travel bubble are inextricably linked. This study investigated the roles of perceived vaccine efficacy, attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccine, and attitude toward the travel bubble on travel bubble intention. More importantly, the study also examined the mediating role of hope and fear among unvaccinated Korean adults between 20 and 29 years old. A total of 535 samples were collected to test the proposed conceptual model using structural equation modeling. In general, the results supported the proposed hypotheses. Notably, the intention to travel to a bubble destination was explained by 57% of the variance. Furthermore, hope mediated the relationship between vaccine attitude and travel bubble intention. Whereas fear mediated the relationship between perceived vaccine efficacy and intention. Hence, the findings suggest doubts around the vaccine efficacy and that a positive attitude towards the vaccine also install hope among the research samples.
Study on the Optimization and Oxygen-Enrichment Effect of Ventilation Scheme in a Blind Heading of Plateau Mine
Authors: Li Zijun , Li Rongrong , Xu Yu , Xu Yuanyuan
Published: July 2022

There are abundant mineral resources in plateau areas, but it is difficult to extract them safely because the problem of hypoxia in plateau mines seriously affects the life and health of workers. In order to address the problem of hypoxia in the blind heading of a plateau metal mine, a three-dimensional roadway model was established based on field data of the Pulang copper mine in Yunnan province, China. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method was used to explore the optimal type of oxygen supply duct outlet, and to reveal the oxygen diffusion law influencing different ventilation factors. Grey correlation analysis was used to study the correlation values of the ventilation factors on the oxygen-enrichment effect in blind headings, such as forcing duct position, exhausting duct position, and extraction pressure ratio. The results demonstrated that the oxygen-enrichment effect of a slit oxygen outlet was better than that of the traditional oxygen supply method. When the direction of the oxygen outlet hole was 30° and the height above the roadway floor was 1.95 m, the oxygen increase effect was better than other forms of oxygen supply duct outlets. Grey correlation analysis revealed that the major influencing factors of the oxygen-enrichment effect in the roadway of the plateau mine, were, in descending order, as follows: forcing duct position, extraction pressure ratio, and exhausting duct position. This study has a positive guiding significance for improving the respiration environment in blind headings of plateau mines.
Protein Intake and Sarcopenia in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Coelho-Junior Hélio , Calvani Riccardo , Azzolino Domenico , Picca Anna , Tosato Matteo , Landi Francesco , Cesari Matteo , Marzetti Emanuele
Published: July 2022

Background: The present systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between protein intake and sarcopenia in older adults. Methods: Observational studies that investigated the association between protein intake and sarcopenia as the primary or secondary outcome in people aged 60 years and older were included. Studies published in languages other than English, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish were excluded. Studies were retrieved from MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, CINAHL, AgeLine, and Food Science Source databases through January 31, 2022. A pooled effect size was calculated based on standard mean differences. Results: Five cross-sectional studies, one longitudinal study, and one case-control study that investigated 3353 community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of approximately 73 years were included. The meta-analysis of four studies indicated that older adults with sarcopenia consumed significantly less protein than their peers with no sarcopenia. Conclusions: Results of the present study suggest that an inadequate protein intake might be associated with sarcopenia in older adults.
How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected the Functioning of Tourist Short-Term Rental Platforms (Airbnb and Vrbo) in Polish Cities
Authors: Kowalczyk-Anioł Joanna , Kacprzak Karolina , Szafrańska Ewa
Published: July 2022

The article presents the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on urban tourism activity on short-term rental (STR) platforms in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). It offers empirical evidence of how Airbnb and HomeAway (Vrbo) changed in Polish cities during the COVID-19 pandemic. A case study of Polish cities was also used to investigate what pandemic-induced scenarios of that impact are presented in the literature. In particular, the study identifies “loser” cities, in which the pandemic consolidated and deepened the decline in active STR volume, and “winner” cities, in which the volume and dynamics of the active STRs increased during the pandemic.
The Development of an Evidence-Based Telephone-Coached Bibliotherapy Protocol for Improving Dementia Caregiving Appraisal
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Cheung Daphne Sze Ki , Bressington Daniel , Li Yan , Leung Angela Yee Man
Published: July 2022

Caregiving appraisal is the caregivers’ cognitive evaluation of caregiving stressors. It determines the caregiving outcomes and caregiver health. Dementia caregivers have shown relatively negative caregiving appraisals. However, there is a lack of interventions to improve caregiving appraisal. This study describes the multi-phase process of developing and validating an evidence-based bibliotherapy protocol for improving the caregiving appraisal of informal caregivers of people with dementia. Two phases were included in the development: In Phase 1, a series of reviews of theory and evidence were conducted to identify the theoretical underpinnings, the core components, the dosage, and the mode of delivery of evidence-based bibliotherapy. In Phase 2, focus groups consisting of an expert panel of 16 clinicians and academics were used to validate the intervention protocol. Evidence synthesis was used in Phase 1 to formulate a draft intervention protocol. Content analysis was used in Phase 2 to work out the principles to revise the intervention protocol. The validated evidence-based bibliotherapy protocol included eight weekly sessions, and each session targeted improving one aspect of the essential factors that influence caregiving appraisal. This study provided a culturally sensitive and contextually appropriate evidence-based bibliotherapy protocol ready to be tested in a clinical trial.
Maximum Isometric and Dynamic Strength of Mixed Martial Arts Athletes According to Weight Class and Competitive Level
Authors: Folhes Orlando , Reis Víctor Machado , Marques Diogo Luís , Neiva Henrique Pereira , Marques Mário Cardoso
Published: July 2022

Mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes must achieve high strength levels to face the physical demands of an MMA fight. This study compared MMA athletes’ maximal isometric and dynamic strength according to the competitive level and weight class. Twenty-one male MMA athletes were divided into lightweight professional (LWP; n = 9), lightweight elite (LWE; n = 4), heavyweight professional (HWP; n = 4), and heavyweight elite (HWE; n = 4). The handgrip and isometric lumbar strength tests assessed the isometric strength, and the one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press and 4RM leg press the dynamic strength. Univariate ANOVA showed differences between groups in absolute and relative 1RM bench press and absolute isometric lumbar strength. Post hoc tests showed differences in 1RM bench press between HWE and LWE (117.0 ± 17.8 kg vs. 81.0 ± 10.0 kg) and HWE and LWP athletes (117.0 ± 17.8 kg vs. 76.7 ± 13.7 kg; 1.5 ± 0.2 kg·BW−1 vs. 1.1 ± 0.2 kg·BW−1). In addition, there was a correlation between 1RM bench press and isometric lumbar strength for absolute (r = 0.67) and relative values (r = 0.50). This study showed that the 1RM bench press and isometric lumbar strength were associated and could differentiate MMA athletes according to their competitive level and weight class. Therefore, optimizing the force production in the upper body and lower back seems important in elite and professional MMA athletes.
Psychological Experiences of Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) during and after Hospitalization: A Descriptive Phenomenological Study
Authors: Yip Yuk-Chiu , Yip Ka-Huen , Tsui Wai-King
Published: July 2022

During an infectious disease pandemic, patients may experience various psychological issues. Few studies have focused on survivors’ experiences in Hong Kong. This study aimed to assess the psychological impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on survivors during admission to and discharge from COVID-19 wards using a descriptive phenomenological design. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 participants aged 30–77 years recently discharged from an isolation ward at an acute care facility and transferred to a community center specializing in pulmonary rehabilitation. Sampling was performed from 1 March 2022 to 3 April 2022. Semi-structured in-person interviews were conducted and transcribed verbatim; data analysis was performed using Colaizzi’s approach. The patients experienced two exclusive psychological phases during and after admission. The analysis of the patients’ experiences revealed three themes: (i) navigating uncertainties with mixed feelings and emotions during admission, (ii) adjusting to normal daily life after discharge, and (iii) self-growth after discharge. Our findings may provide empirical evidence for formulating pre-emptive strategies to mitigate the long-term psychological impacts of COVID-19. This investigation is timely and internationally relevant, and policymakers can use these findings to make informed decisions when developing guidelines for structuring the care of patients with COVID-19 during and after hospitalization. Based on our findings, we recommended that psychological support, particularly the provision of time to address patients’ concerns, may be integrated into the care of patients with COVID-19. Additionally, the structure of care may extend beyond the biomedical aspects of the illness to encompass the emotional and social dimension of the patients. To reduce stigmatization, we advise that public health authorities release clear information timely to clarify the misconceptions of the local community.
Glycyrrhizic Acid Attenuates Pulmonary Fibrosis of Silicosis by Inhibiting the Interaction between HMGB1 and BRG1 through PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Niu Zhuoya , Lin Jisong , Hao Changfu , Xu Xiao , Wang Chen , Dai Kai , Deng Xuedan , Deng Meng , Guo Yonghua , Yao Wu
Published: July 2022

Purpose: High mobility group protein 1 (HMGB1) is a highly conserved DNA-binding nuclear protein that participates in the occurrence and development of silicosis. HMGB1 binds to its specific receptor and activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B, (PKB; Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Brahma-related genes 1 (BRG1; SMARCA4) is the core subunit of SWI/SNF. HMGB1 activates the Akt pathway through BRG1 to promote the proliferation of prostate cancer. Glycyrrhizic acid is a new pharmacological inhibitor of HMGB1, which may inhibit the occurrence and development of silicosis. We speculate that glycyrrhizic acid inhibits the interaction between HMGB1 and BRG1 through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to affect the progression of silicosis. Methods: We carried out an in vitro study and stimulated A549 with TGF-β1 to establish an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) model, knocked down the HMGB1 and BRG1 genes in cells, observed the expression of EMT markers, and detected the interaction between HMGB1 and BRG1 by co-immunoprecipitation. In vivo, we injected glycyrrhizic acid into the mouse silicosis model to inhibit the expression of HMGB1. Results: Both HMGB1 and BRG1 were highly expressed in the process of EMT. After knocking down HMGB1 and BRG1, the process of EMT was inhibited through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and their expressions were influenced by each other. HMGB1 and BRG1 interact with each other in A549 cells. HMGB1 and BRG1 are also highly expressed in the mouse silicosis model, and glycyrrhizic acid can inhibit the expression of HMGB1/BRG1 through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. Conclusion: Glycyrrhizic acid can inhibit the interaction between HMGB1 and BRG1 through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to affect the progression of silicosis.
The Association between Blood Concentrations of PCDD/DFs, DL-PCBs and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Thyroid Cancer in South Korea
Authors: Lee SuHyun , Lim YoungWook , Kang YounSeok , Jung KeumJi , Jee SunHa
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives: Epidemiological studies have inconsistently shown an association between dioxin and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cancer. This study aims to examine the effects of blood concentration of dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/DFs) on T2DM and thyroid cancer. Methods: We conducted a nested case–control study within the Korean cancer prevention study-II (KCPS-II) consisting of 15 thyroid cancer cases, 30 T2DM cases, and 55 controls. A total of 500 samples were used in 100 pooling samples. An average value of a pooled sample was calculated weighted by the blood volume of each sample. Results: The study population included 100 participants from the KCPS-II (median (IQR) baseline age, 54.06 [21.04] years; 48 women). The toxic equivalents of PCDD/DFs showed a significant positive association with T2DM and thyroid cancer, after adjustments for potential confounders (T2DM ORs  =  1.23; 95% CI  =  1.05–1.43; thyroid cancer ORs  =  1.34; 95% CI  =  1.12–1.61). Conclusion: In this study, both T2DM and thyroid cancer were associated with the blood concentrations of PCDD/DFs. The association between PCDD/DFs and T2D was found among women but not among men. Our findings suggest that further biochemical in vivo research and epidemiologic studies are needed to clarify the association between dioxins concentrations and diseases.
Genetic Characteristics and Enzymatic Activities of Bacillus velezensis KS04AU as a Stable Biocontrol Agent against Phytopathogens
Authors: Diabankana Roderic Gilles Claret , Shulga Elena Urievna , Validov Shamil Zavdatovich , Afordoanyi Daniel Mawuena
Published: July 2022

Bacillus velezensis has a broad application in the agricultural and industrial sectors for its biocontrol properties and its potential active secondary metabolites. The defined phenotypic characteristics of a strain vary according to its ecosystem. We report the complete genomic analysis of B. velezensis KS04AU compared to four strains of B. velezensis (SRCM102752, ONU-553, FZB42, and JS25R) and two closely related Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (LL3 and IT-45). A total of 4771 protein coding genes comprises the KS04AU genome, in comparison with 3334 genes core genes found in the six other strains and the remaining 1437 shell genes. Average nucleotide identity of the target strain to the six other strains showed 99.65% to B. velezensis ONU-553, sharing 60 orthologous genes. Secondary metabolite gene cluster analysis of all strains showed that KS04AU has a mersacidin cluster gene, which is absent in the genome of the other strains. PHASTER analysis also showed KS04AU harboring two phages (Aeribacllus AP45 NC_048651 and Paenibacillus_Tripp NC_028930), which were also unique in comparison with the other strains. Analysis on anti-microbial resistance genes showed no difference in the genome of KS04AU to any of the other genomes, with the exception of B. amyloliquefaciens IT-45 which had one unique small multidrug-resistance antibiotic efflux-pump gene (qacJ). The CRISPR-Cas systems in the strains were also compared showing one CRISPR gene found only in KS04AU. Hydrolytic activity, antagonistic activity against phytopathogens (Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium graminearum, Alternaria alternata and Pseudomonas syringae) and biocontrol against tomato foot and root rot experiments were carried out. B. velezensis KS04AU inhibits the growth of all phytopathogens tested, produces hydrolytic activity, and reduces Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. radicis-lycopersici (Forl) ZUM2407 lesions up to 46.02 ± 0.12%. The obtained results confirm B. velezensis KS04AU as a potential biocontrol strain for plant protection.
An Empirical Study on the Differences between Online Picture Reviews and Text Reviews
Authors: Luo Hanyang , Zhou Wanhua , Song Wugang , He Xiaofu
Published: July 2022

In the context of e-commerce, online travel agencies often derive useful information from online reviews to improve transactions. Based on the dispute on the usefulness of different types of reviews and social exchange theory, this study investigates how the characteristics of pictures and text influence review reading and review posting behaviors and thus influencing the efficiency of online review systems. By analyzing crawled data of online hotels and conducting experiments, we first find that picture reviews are more useful than text reviews, and high-quality pictures in reviews have a significant impact on review usefulness. Second, posting pictures requires review posters to pay more perceived costs. Third, negative review posters have higher perceived costs, so they are more unwilling to post pictures, especially high-quality pictures. Our results indicate that review platforms need to add incentives to encourage consumers to post high-quality picture reviews and design workable interfaces to reduce the burden of negative reviewers to speed up the purchase decision process for review readers. This study provides theoretical implications by demonstrating how the adoption of the picture in review systems influences both review readers’ and review posters’ behaviors. Additionally, our findings also provide useful managerial insights for online travel suppliers in terms of building an effective review system to promote sales.
The Impacts of Climate Change on the Potential Distribution of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in China
Authors: Zhao Jinyu , Song Chengfei , Ma Li , Yan Xizhong , Shi Juan , Hao Chi
Published: July 2022

The Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a notorious stored-grain pest that can be found in most parts of China. The corpses, excretions, and other secretions of P. interpunctella larvae cause serious grain pollution, seriously affecting the nutritional and economic value of stored grain in China. To elucidate the potential distribution of P. interpunctella in China, we used the CLIMEX 4.0 model to project the potential distribution of the pest using historical climate data (1960–1990) and estimated future climate data (2030, 2050, and 2070). Under the historical climate situation, P. interpunctella was distributed in most areas of China, and its highly favorable habitats account for 48.14% of its total potential distribution. Because of temperature change in the future climate, suitable habitats will increase in the eastern part of Qinghai and will decrease in the mid-eastern, northeastern, and southeastern parts of China. Under these scenarios, the area of this pest’s highly favorable habitat will be reduced by 1.24 million km2, and its proportion will decrease to about 28.48%. These predicted outcomes will help to distinguish the impact of climate change on the potential distribution of P. interpunctella, thereby providing important information to design early forecasting and strategies to prevent pest harm to stored grain.