bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bivariate Assessment of Drought Return Periods and Frequency in Brazilian Northeast Using Joint Distribution by Copula Method
Authors: da Rocha Júnior Rodrigo Lins , dos Santos Silva Fabrício Daniel , Costa Rafaela Lisboa , Gomes Heliofábio Barros , Pinto David Duarte Cavalcante , Herdies Dirceu Luis
Published: April 2020

The Northeast region of Brazil (NRB) is the most populous semiarid area in the world and is extremely susceptible to droughts. The severity and duration of these droughts depend on several factors, and they do not necessarily follow the same behavior. The aim of this work is to evaluate the frequency of droughts in the NRB and calculate the return period of each drought event using the copula technique, which integrates the duration and severity of the drought in the NRB in a joint bivariate distribution. Monthly precipitation data from 96 meteorological stations spatially distributed in the NRB, ranging from 1961 to 2017, are used. The copula technique is applied to the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) on the three-month time scale, testing three families of Archimedean copula functions (Gumbel–Hougaard, Clayton and Frank) to reveal which model is best suited for the data. Averagely, the most frequent droughts observed in the NRB are concentrated in the northern sector of the region, with an observed duration varying from three and a half to five and a half months. However, the eastern NRB experiences the most severe droughts, lasting for 14 to 24 months. The probability distributions that perform better in modeling the series of severity and duration of droughts are exponential, normal and lognormal. The observed severity and duration values show that, for average values, the return period across the region is approximately 24 months. Still in this regard, the southernmost tip of the NRB stands out for having a return period of over 35 months. Regarding maximum observed values of severity and duration, the NRB eastern strip has the longest return period (>60 months), mainly in the southeastern portion where a return period above 90 months was observed. The northern NRB shows the shortest return period (~45 months), indicating that it is the NRB sector with the highest frequency of intense droughts. These results provide useful information for drought risk management in the NRB.
Pressure Controlled Permeability in a Conduit Filled with Fractured Hydrothermal Breccia Reconstructed from Ballistics from Whakaari (White Island), New Zealand
Authors: Kennedy Ben M. , Farquhar Aaron , Hilderman Robin , Villeneuve Marlène C. , Heap Michael J. , Mordensky Stan , Kilgour Geoffrey , Jolly Art. , Christenson Bruce , Reuschlé Thierry
Published: April 2020

Breccia-filled eruption conduits are dynamic systems where pressures frequently exceed critical thresholds, generating earthquakes and transmitting fluids. To assess the dynamics of breccia-filled conduits, we examine lava, ash tuff, and hydrothermal breccia ballistics with varying alteration, veining, fractures, and brecciation ejected during the 27 April 2016 phreatic eruption of Whakaari/White Island. We measure connected porosity, strength, and permeability with and without tensile fractures at a range of confining pressures. Many samples are progressively altered with anhydrite, alunite, and silica polymorphs. The measurements show a large range of connected porosity, permeability, and strength. In contrast, the cracked samples show a consistently high permeability. The cracked altered samples have a permeability more sensitive to confining pressure than the unaltered samples. The permeability of our altered ballistics is lower than surface rocks of equivalent porosity, illustrating that mineral precipitation locally blocked pores and cracks. We surmise that alteration within the conduit breccia allows cracks to form, open and close, in response to pore pressure and confining pressure, providing a mechanism for frequent and variable fluid advection pulses to the surface. This produces temporally and spatially variable geophysical and geochemical observations and has implications for volcano monitoring for any volcano system with significant hydrothermal activity.
Electromagnetic Emissions from Quartz Subjected to Shear Stress: Spectral Signatures and Geophysical Implications
Authors: Martinelli Giovanni , Plescia Paolo , Tempesta Emanuela
Published: April 2020

Shear tests on quartz rocks and single quartz crystals have been conducted to understand the possible relationship between the intensity of detectable stress in fault areas and the energy released in the form of electromagnetic waves in the range 30 KHz-1 MHz (LF–MF). For these tests, a new type of piston-cylinder has been developed, instrumented to collect the electromagnetic signals generated by the quartz during shear stress tests and that allows energy measurements on electromagnetic emissions (EMR) to be performed. The data obtained indicate that shear-stressed quartz crystals can generate electromagnetic emissions in the LF–MF range. These emissions represent a tiny fraction of the total energy dissipated in the fracturing process. The spectrum of radio emissions consists of continuous radiation and overlapping peaks. For the first time, a characteristic migration of peak frequencies was observed, proportional to the evolution of the fracturing process. In particular, the continuous recording of the radio emission spectra shows a migration of the peaks toward higher frequencies, as stress continues over time and smaller and larger fractures form. This migration could be used to distinguish possible natural signals emitted by quartz in tectonically active environments from possible signals of other geophysical and possibly anthropogenic origin.
“In the Way of the Gift”: The Postsecular Conditions of Grace in Marilynne Robinson’s Gilead
Authors: Sung Tae
Published: April 2020

In Robinson’s Gilead, one of Ames’ greatest hopes is for his son to place himself “in the way of the gift.” What is this gift, and what does it mean to place oneself in its way? The gift, I will argue, is what Charles Taylor has described as a moral source that is mediated by interpretive frameworks, and empowers us toward ideals otherwise difficult or impossible to sustain. Gilead enacts the necessary condition of having narratives of the gift, of having been in its way, in order to mediate its reception again. But if restoration is the great potential of the gift’s reception for Ames, it also points to the condition of impossibility for Jack, who is never given such a gift, despite having always been in its way. Although there is no guarantee the gift will be given, what Gilead explores are the postsecular conditions necessary for the gift to be received.
Eye Examination Recency among African American Older Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions
Authors: Bazargan Mohsen , Ekwegh Tavonia , Cobb Sharon , Adinkrah Edward , Assari Shervin
Published: April 2020

Background: Pervasive racial and economic inequalities have a disproportionate impact on health care utilization among African Americans. One area where we see such disparities is in the recency of eye examinations among the economically disadvantaged. However, our current understanding of the barriers and facilitators of eye examinations in underserved African-American older adults is limited. Aims: Building on Andersen’s model of health service use and using an exploratory approach; we tested various demographic, social, and health factors that were associated with eye examination among underserved middle-aged and older adults in South Los Angeles. We examined predisposing characteristics, enabling factors, and need-for-care characteristics. Methods: With a cross-sectional design, we conducted this survey on a convenience sample of (n = 740) non-institutionalized African-American older adults who were 55+ years old and residing in South Los Angeles, CA, USA. Data were collected on demographic factors, continuity of care, access to care, self-rated health, chronic medical conditions, and depressive symptoms. The outcome was recency of eye examination. Multivariate regression was used for data analysis. Results: 59% of the participants had received at least one eye examination during the last 12 months. A total of 17% had an eye examination within the last two years. Notably, 26% of diabetic participants did not have an eye examination within the last two years. One out of four participants indicated that, within the last two years, no provider ever recommended that they receive an eye examination. Age, education, continuity of medical care, accessibility of medical care, satisfaction with medical care, providers’ recommendation for eye examination, self-rated health, and a diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes mellitus were predictors of eye examination recency. Overall, our analysis indicates that these enabling factors accounted for most of the variance in the recency of eye examinations. Conclusion: A large proportion of underserved African-American middle-aged and older adults in South Los Angeles do not comply with the recommended annual eye examination. This is, in part, because about one-third of them have not received an eye exam recommendation from their health care providers. However, a wide range of factors such as age, education, continuity of care, satisfaction with access, self-rated health, and a diagnosis of hypertension and diabetes mellitus, also influence whether or not African-American middle-aged and older adults receive an eye examination. Programs should address a wide range of multi-level factors to tackle this health inequality.
Comparing Efficiencies of Two Selection Approaches for Improving Fusarium Basal Rot Resistance in Short-Day Onion after a Single Cycle of Selection
Authors: Mandal Subhankar , Saxena Ashish , Cramer Christopher , Steiner Robert
Published: April 2020

The development of Fusarium Basal Rot (FBR)-resistant onion cultivars through field and seedling screening approaches faces tremendous challenges due to non-uniform distribution of the disease pathogen and possible multiple mechanisms of host–plant resistance. This study compared the efficiencies of these two methods for increasing FBR resistance of short-day onion after a single selection cycle. Asymptomatic plants or bulbs of seven onion cultivars were selected using a seedling screen performed in a growth chamber or a field screening of mature bulbs. Original and selected populations were evaluated for their responses to FBR stress thereafter employing the same two methods used for screening. The field screening of mature bulbs was found unreliable in both selection and evaluation, likely due to a non-random distribution of the FBR pathogen and variable environmental factors present in the field. The seedling screening successfully increased FBR resistance in the selected cultivar populations revealed by a seedling evaluation. From the results, it is recommended to use a consistent method for both screening and evaluation to make the most selection progress.
Dimensionless Stage-Discharge Relationship for a Non-Linear Water Reservoir: Theory and Experiments
Authors: Baiamonte Giorgio
Published: April 2020

In the field of hydrology, stage–discharge relationships are commonly used to estimate the discharge at the basin outlet or by experimental plots. Many experimental efforts have been made in order to derive stage–discharge relationships, according to the Buckingham theorem and dimensional analysis, for a multiplicity of gauge geometry. However, these relationships require experimental and physical meaningless numerical coefficients, thus they need extended calibration. The latter issue merits attention, since the empirical coefficients can be applied when the experimental conditions are strictly reproduced in the field. The aim of this paper is to derive a theoretically based stage–discharge relationship of a non-linear water reservoir that requires limited calibration, by using the continuity equation and the principle of conservation of energy. An analysis was performed using a rectangular water tank with a hole at the bottom. However, the suggested approach can be similarly used for tank geometries that differ from the example used in this study. Since the proposed approach is purely hydraulic, only limited calibration of the physical meaningful discharge coefficient characteristic of the hole is needed. A tank design procedure is suggested, and different theoretical and experimental applications of the proposed methodology are performed and discussed. For the considered cases, the mass water balance was also checked.
The Effect of Active Plus, a Computer-Tailored Physical Activity Intervention, on the Physical Activity of Older Adults with Chronic Illness(es)—A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Volders Esmee , Bolman Catherine A. W. , de Groot Renate H. M. , Verboon Peter , Lechner Lilian
Published: April 2020

eHealth interventions aimed at improving physical activity (PA) can reach large populations with few resources and demands on the population as opposed to centre-based interventions. Active Plus is a proven effective computer-tailored PA intervention for the older adult population focusing on PA in daily life. This manuscript describes the effects of the Active Plus intervention (N = 260) on PA of older adults with chronic illnesses (OACI), compared to a waiting list control group (N = 325). It was part of a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the effects of the Active Plus intervention on cognitive functioning. OACI (≥65 years) with at least one chronic illness were allocated to one of the conditions. Intervention group participants received PA advice. Baseline and follow-up measurements were assessed after 6 and 12 months. Intervention effects on objectively measured light PA (LPA) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) min/week were analysed with multilevel linear mixed-effects models adjusted for the clustered design. Intervention effects on self-reported MVPA min/week on common types of PA were analysed with two-part generalized linear mixed-effects models adjusted for the clustered design. The dropout rate was 19.1% after 6 months and 25.1% after 12 months. Analyses showed no effects on objectively measured PA. Active Plus increased the likelihood to perform self-reported cycling and gardening at six months and participants who cycled increased their MVPA min/week of cycling. Twelve months after baseline the intervention increased the likelihood to perform self-reported walking and participants who cycled at 12 months increased their MVPA min/week of cycling. Subgroup analyses showed that more vulnerable participants (higher degree of impairment, age or body mass index) benefitted more from the intervention on especially the lower intensity PA outcomes. In conclusion, Active Plus only increased PA behaviour to a limited extent in OACI 6 and 12 months after baseline measurements. The Active Plus intervention may yet be not effective enough by itself in OACI. A blended approach, where this eHealth intervention and face-to-face contact are combined, is advised to improve the effects of Active Plus on PA in this target group.
Is Heart Rate a Confounding Factor for Photoplethysmography Markers? A Systematic Review
Authors: Md Lazin Md Lazim Md Rizman , Aminuddin Amilia , Chellappan Kalaivani , Ugusman Azizah , Hamid Adila A , Wan Ahmad Wan Amir Nizam , Mohamad Mohd Shawal Faizal
Published: April 2020

Finger photoplethysmography (PPG) waveform is blood volume change of finger microcirculation that reflects vascular function. Reflection index (RI), stiffness index (SI) and second derivative of photoplethysmogram (SDPPG) are derived from PPG waveforms proposed as cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers. Heart rate (HR) is a known factor that affects vascular function. Individual resting HR variation may affect RI, SI and SDPPG. This review aims to identify studies about the relationship between HR with RI, SI and SDPPG among humans. A literature search was conducted in Medline via the Ebscohost and Scopus databases to find relevant articles published within 11 years. The main inclusion criteria were articles in the English language that discuss the relationship between HR with RI, SI and SDPPG using PPG among humans. The search found 1960 relevant articles but only six articles that met the inclusion criteria. SI and RI showed an association with HR. SDPPG (SDPPG-b/SDPPG-a ratio, SDPPG-d/SDPPG-a ratio, aging index (AGI) and revised aging index (RAGI)) also had an association with HR. Only RI had a considerable association with HR, the association between SI and HR was non-considerable and the association between HR and SDPPG was inconclusive. Further interventional studies should be conducted to investigate this issue, as a variation in resting HR may challenge the validity of PPG-based CVD markers.
Strength plus Endurance Training and Individualized Diet Reduce Fat Mass in Overweight Subjects: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Benito Pedro J. , López-Plaza Bricia , Bermejo Laura M. , Peinado Ana B. , Cupeiro Rocío , Butragueño Javier , Rojo-Tirado Miguel A. , González-Lamuño Domingo , Gómez-Candela Carmen ,   on behalf of the PRONAF Study Group
Published: April 2020

Studies with overweight people are a priority in order to observe the effect of the timing of intervention on pre-obesity people. The aim was to compare different physical activity programs plus an individualized hypocaloric diet on body composition in overweight subjects. A randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out in overweight adults with no history of relevant illness. Primary outcome was total fat mass (TFM). Participants were allocated into four activity programs with equal intensity and volume of exercise for 22 weeks: strength training (S), endurance training (E), strength + endurance training (SE), and ‘adhering to physical activity recommendations’ (C). Participants followed a diet with 25% less energy (50%–55% carbohydrates, 30%–35% fat) measured by accelerometer. Variables were assessed at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. One hundred nineteen from 205 subjects were randomized in the four exercise groups (S = 30/E = 30/SE = 30/C = 29) and 84 participants (36 men/48 women) ended the intervention (S = 19/E = 25/SE = 22/C = 18). At the end of the experiment, all groups except C increased their total physical activity (S = 1159 ± 1740; E = 1625 ± 1790; SE = 1699 ± 2516; C = 724 ± 1979 MET-min/week). Using an ANOVA-test, improvements were observed in body weight (S = −4.6 ± 4.5; E = −6.6 ± 4.6; SE = −8.5 ± 2.8; C = −6.1 ± 5.6 kg, p = 0.059) and TFM (S = −4.24 ± 2.02; E = −4.74 ± 2.96; SE = −6.74 ± 3.27; C = −3.94 ± 4.18%; p < 0.05). The main conclusion was that there were no adverse events. Strength and endurance training with a balanced, individualized hypocaloric diet was the most effective at reducing weight loss and fat mass in overweight subjects. Trial registration: NCT01116856.
Effectiveness of a Flexible and Continuous Case Management Program for Suicide Attempters
Authors: Kim Min-Hyuk , Lee Jinhee , Noh Hyunjean , Hong Jin-Pyo , Kim Hyun , Cha Yong Sung , Ahn Joung-Sook , Chang Sei-Jin , Min Seongho
Published: April 2020

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of continuous case management with a flexible approach on the prevention of suicide by suicide reattempt in a real clinical setting. The subjects in this study were 526 suicide attempters who visited emergency rooms in a teaching hospital in South Korea. Subjects were provided a continuous case management program with a flexible approach according to the severity of their suicide risk and needs. During the entire observation period (from 182 days to 855 days, mean = 572 ± 254), 18 patients (3.7%) died by suicide reattempt: Eight patients (2.27%) in the case management group and 10 patients (7.35%) in the no-case management group. The Cox regression analysis showed that the case management group had a 75% lower risk of death from suicide attempts than the no-case management group (HR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.13–0.87). This result was shown to be more robust after adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, age, psychiatric treatment, suicide attempts, and family history of suicide (adjusted HR = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.09–0.83). This study was conducted in a single teaching hospital and not a randomized controlled one. A flexible and continuous case management program for suicide attempters is effective for preventing death by suicide reattempts.
Effects of Aerobic-, Anaerobic- and Combined-Based Exercises on Plasma Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Healthy Untrained Young Adults
Authors: Ammar Achraf , Trabelsi Khaled , Boukhris Omar , Glenn Jordan , Bott Nick , Masmoudi Liwa , Hakim Ahmed , Chtourou Hamdi , Driss Tarak , Hoekelmann Anita , El Abed Kais
Published: April 2020

Currently, it is well accepted that physical exercise-induced oxidative stress may damage biological structures and impair cellular functions. However, it is still unclear which type of exercise results in the greatest oxidative stress responses among a healthy untrained population. The aim of the present study was to compare the acute oxidative stress response (i.e., 0 to 20 min) following different types of exercise (anaerobic, aerobic, and combined). Ten healthy, untrained males (19.5 ± 1.7 years) performed three randomized exercise bouts: anaerobic (30 s Wingate test), aerobic (30 min at 60% maximal aerobic power (MAP)) or combined (anaerobic and aerobic). Venous blood samples were collected before, as well as at 0 (P0), 5 (P5), 10 (P10), and 20 (P20) min after each session. Rates of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant activities (i.e., glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), α-tocopherol, and total antioxidant status (TAS)) were assessed. Independent of exercise type, plasma MDA, GPX, SOD, and GR contents increased above baseline, whereas plasma α-tocopherol decreased under baseline after the test sessions (p < 0.05). Aerobic and anaerobic exercises generated faster responses (at P0) when compared to the combined exercise (P5 to P10) for the majority of the tested parameters. Plasma TAS content only increased following the aerobic exercise at P10 (p = 0.03). Five to twenty-minutes post exercise, the highest MDA response was registered in the aerobic condition, and the highest GPX and SOD responses were recorded in the anaerobic (at P5) and aerobic (at P20) conditions (p < 0.05). In conclusion, aerobic, anaerobic, or combined exercises have the potential to acutely increase oxidative stress and antioxidant activities, but with different responses magnitude. These findings confirm that oxidative stress response seems to be dependent on the intensity and the duration of the physical exercise and may help in understanding how varying exercise bouts influence the degree of oxidative stress among healthy untrained young adults.
Using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) with Providers in the Early Intervention Setting: A Qualitative Validity Testing Study
Authors: Leslie Catherine J. , Hawkins Melanie , Smith Diane L.
Published: April 2020

More than one in four parents in the United States of America (USA) have low health literacy, which is associated with reduced health equity and negatively impacts child health outcomes. Early intervention (EI) programs are optimally placed to build the health literacy capacity of caregivers, which could improve health equity. The health literacy of interdisciplinary EI providers has not previously been measured. This study used the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) with EI providers (n = 10) to investigate evidence based on response (cognitive) processes. Narratives from cognitive interviews gave reasons for HLQ score choices, and concordance and discordance between HLQ item intent descriptions and narrative data were assessed using thematic analysis. Results found scales with highest concordance for Scales 3, 6, and 9 (each 96%, n = 24). Concordance was lowest on Scale 5 (88%, n = 22), although still strong with only 12% discordance. Three themes reflecting discordance were identified: (1) Differences between Australian and USA culture/health systems; (2) Healthcare provider perspective; and (3) Participants with no health problems to manage. Results show strong concordance between EI providers’ narrative responses and item intents. Study results contribute validity evidence for the use of HLQ data to inform interventions that build health literacy capacity of EI providers to then empower and build the health literacy of EI parents.
Selected Physicochemical Properties of Saliva in Menopausal Women—A Pilot Study
Authors: Cydejko Aleksandra , Kusiak Aida , Grzybowska Magdalena Emilia , Kochańska Barbara , Ochocińska Jolanta , Maj Adrian , Świetlik Dariusz
Published: April 2020

The aim of this study was to estimate differences in selected physicochemical properties of saliva between menopausal and premenopausal women. Methods: The study population consisted of 9 menopausal women and 15 women of the control group. Laboratory tests included the determination of pH saliva, salivary flow rate, and concentrations of lactoferrin, lysozyme, immunoglobulin A, and ionized calcium. Results: Among menopausal women, statistically significant differences were observed in values of salivary flow rate and lysozyme and ionized calcium concentrations; however, no statistically significant differences for pH and concentrations of lactoferrin and immunoglobulin A were found. The salivary flow rate in the study group was significantly lower compared to that in premenopausal women. In relation to lysozyme, statistically significant differences were found between control group and menopausal women to the disadvantage of the latter. However, the concentration of ionized calcium in the saliva of menopausal women was distinctly higher than in the saliva of the control group. Conclusion: The saliva of menopausal women appeared significantly different from that of the control group. Differences in physicochemical parameters such as salivary flow rate and lysozyme and ionized calcium concentrations were observed. These differences in saliva properties observed in menopause can potentially affect the oral environment of women in this particular period, possibly increasing the risk of some pathological changes in the oral cavity and consequently indicating the need to take special care of this group of female patients in order to help them maintain proper oral health. Dentists and gynecologists should be aware of the problems associated with menopause and need to provide these women complete health care, including dental care as an integral part.
Regional Aquifer Vulnerability and Pollution Sensitivity Analysis of Drastic Application to Dahomey Basin of Nigeria
Authors: Oke Saheed Adeyinka
Published: April 2020

Shallow groundwater vulnerability mapping of the southwestern Nigeria sedimentary basin was assessed in this study with the aim of developing a regional-based vulnerability map for the area based on assessing the intrinsic ability of the aquifer overlying beds to filter and degrade migrating pollutant. The mapping includes using the established seven parameter-based DRASTIC vulnerability methodology. Furthermore, the developed vulnerability map was subjected to sensitivity analysis as a validation approach. This approach includes single-parameter sensitivity, map removal sensitivity, and DRASTIC parameter correlation analysis. Of the Dahomey Basin, 21% was classified as high-vulnerability and at risk of pollution, 61% as moderate vulnerability, and 18% as low vulnerability. Low vulnerability areas of the basin are characterised by thick vadose zones, low precipitation, compacted soils, high slopes, and high depth to groundwater. High-vulnerability areas which are prone to pollution are regions closer to the coast with flat slopes and frequent precipitation. Sensitivity of the vulnerability map show the greatest impact with the removal of topography, soil media, and depth to groundwater and least impact with the removal of the vadose zone. Due to the subjectivity of the DRASTIC method, the most important single parameter affecting the rating system of the Dahomey Basin DRASTIC map is the impact of the vadose zone, followed by the net recharge and hydraulic conductivity. The DRASTIC vulnerability map can be useful in planning and siting activities that generate pollutants (e.g., landfill, soak away, automobile workshops, and petrochemical industries) which pollute the environment, groundwater, and eventually impact the environmental health of the Dahomey Basin’s inhabitants.
A Report on Smoking Detection and Quitting Technologies
Authors: Ortis Alessandro , Caponnetto Pasquale , Polosa Riccardo , Urso Salvatore , Battiato Sebastiano
Published: April 2020

Mobile health technologies are being developed for personal lifestyle and medical healthcare support, of which a growing number are designed to assist smokers to quit. The potential impact of these technologies in the fight against smoking addiction and on improving quitting rates must be systematically evaluated. The aim of this report is to identify and appraise the most promising smoking detection and quitting technologies (e.g., smartphone apps, wearable devices) supporting smoking reduction or quitting programs. We searched PubMed and Scopus databases (2008-2019) for studies on mobile health technologies developed to assist smokers to quit using a combination of Medical Subject Headings topics and free text terms. A Google search was also performed to retrieve the most relevant smartphone apps for quitting smoking, considering the average user’s rating and the ranking computed by the search engine algorithms. All included studies were evaluated using consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research, such as applied methodologies and the performed evaluation protocol. Main outcome measures were usability and effectiveness of smoking detection and quitting technologies supporting smoking reduction or quitting programs. Our search identified 32 smoking detection and quitting technologies (12 smoking detection systems and 20 smoking quitting smartphone apps). Most of the existing apps for quitting smoking require the users to register every smoking event. Moreover, only a restricted group of them have been scientifically evaluated. The works supported by documented experimental evaluation show very high detection scores, however the experimental protocols usually lack in variability (e.g., only right-hand patients, not natural sequence of gestures) and have been conducted with limited numbers of patients as well as under constrained settings quite far from real-life use scenarios. Several recent scientific works show very promising results but, at the same time, present obstacles for the application on real-life daily scenarios.
Analyzing the Response Behavior of Lumbriculus variegatus (Oligochaeta: Lumbriculidae) to Different Concentrations of Copper Sulfate Based on Line Body Shape Detection and a Recurrent Self-Organizing Map
Authors: Ji Chang Woo , Park Young-Seuk , Cui Yongde , Wang Hongzhu , Kwak Ihn-Sil , Chon Tae-Soo
Published: April 2020

Point detection (e.g., the centroid of the body) of species has been conducted in numerous studies. However, line detection (i.e., the line body shape) of elongated species has rarely been investigated under stressful conditions. We analyzed the line movements of an Oligochaeta Lumbriculus variegatus in response to treatments with a toxic chemical, copper sulfate, at low concentrations (0.01 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L). The automatic line-tracking system was devised to identify the movement of body segments (body length) and the movements of segments (i.e., the speed and angles between segments) were recorded before and after treatment. Total body length was shortened from 31.22 (±5.18) mm to 20.91 (±4.65) mm after the 0.1 mg/L treatment. The Shannon entropy index decreased from 0.44 (±0.1) to 0.28 (±0.08) after treatment. On the other hand, the body and movement segments did not significantly change after the 0.01 mg/L treatment. Sequential movements of test organisms were further analyzed with a recurrent self-organizing map (RSOM) to determine the pattern of time-series line movements. The RSOM made it feasible to classify sequential behaviors of indicator organisms and identify various continuous body movements under stressful conditions.
Menopausal Symptoms and Perimenopausal Healthcare-Seeking Behavior in Women Aged 40–60 Years: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Survey in Shanghai, China
Authors: Du Li , Xu Biao , Huang Cheng , Zhu Liping , He Na
Published: April 2020

The aim of the study was to specify prevalence and severity of menopausal symptoms among middle-aged women and to understand the factors associated with women’s perimenopausal healthcare-seeking behavior in Shanghai, China. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out involving 3147 participants aged 40–60 years. A combination of stratified sampling and quota sampling was used. Out of the total 16 districts in Shanghai, 7 were purposefully selected in consideration of covering both central and suburban areas, population distribution, and willingness to participate. Two communities were randomly selected in each of six districts. Four communities were randomly selected in the 7th district considering the relatively low coverage of central population in the sampling frame. Eligible women were recruited continuously according to the house number and invited to participate in the study until 200 participants were recruited in each community. A structured questionnaire was designed to collect information including sociodemographic data, menopausal symptoms, and experiences in seeking perimenopausal healthcare. The severity of menopausal symptoms was assessed with the modified Kupperman menopausal index (mKMI). The mean age of all the participants was 51 years. 33.13% of the participants were premenopausal, 14.52% were perimenopausal, and 52.35% were postmenopausal. The total prevalence of menopausal symptoms was 73.8%, while among the perimenopausal women, the symptoms were the most common (81.70%). The top three reported symptoms were fatigue (38.08%), hot flushes and sweating (33.65%), and joint ache (28.81%). Perimenopausal and postmenopausal participants had a higher score of the mKMI than premenopausal women (p < 0.01). Of the women who had symptoms, 25.97% had sought healthcare. A logistic regression model revealed that employment, menstruation status, and the mKMI were significantly associated with healthcare-seeking behaviors (p < 0.01). We concluded that prevalence of menopausal symptoms was relatively high among middle-aged women, with perimenopausal women showing the highest level. However, only a small percentage of the participants sought healthcare. Carrying out health education may be a measure to improve the healthcare-seeking behavior.
Prenatal Attachment and Perinatal Depression: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rollè Luca , Giordano Maura , Santoniccolo Fabrizio , Trombetta Tommaso
Published: April 2020

Pregnancy is a period of complex bio-psychological changes, during which the development of an attachment bond to the fetus takes on a central role. Depressive symptoms are common during this period. Both symptoms of depression and low levels of prenatal attachment are related to negative outcomes in caregivers and infants. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement, this systematic review analyzes and systematizes 41 studies concerning the association between prenatal attachment and perinatal depression. The majority of the studies reported a significant association between the two. Specifically, prenatal depressive symptoms were found to be negatively associated with prenatal attachment. Furthermore, lower levels of prenatal attachment were related to higher postnatal depressive symptoms, although fewer studies assessed this association. While these results were found across different populations, conflicting findings emerged, suggesting they should be interpreted with caution, particularly in male samples and in non-normative pregnancies (e.g., high-risk pregnancies, medically assisted pregnancies, and pregnancies with previous perinatal losses). These results are clinically important for the perinatal screening process and for implementing preventive and treatment programs. However, future studies are needed to further confirm and generalize these results.
Health Outcomes of an Integrated Behaviour-Centred Water, Sanitation, Hygiene and Food Safety Intervention–A Randomised before and after Trial
Authors: Morse Tracy , Tilley Elizabeth , Chidziwisano Kondwani , Malolo Rossanie , Musaya Janelisa
Published: April 2020

Diarrhoeal disease in children under five in low income settings has been associated with multiple environmental exposure pathways, including complementary foods. Conducted from February to December 2018 in rural Malawi, this before and after trial with a control used diarrhoeal disease as a primary outcome, to measure the impact of a food hygiene intervention (food hygiene + handwashing) relative to a food hygiene and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) intervention (food hygiene + handwashing + faeces management + water management). The 31-week intervention was delivered by community-based coordinators through community events (n = 2), cluster group meetings (n = 17) and household visits (n = 14). Diarrhoeal disease was self-reported and measured through an end line survey, and daily diaries completed by caregivers. Difference-in-differences results show a 13-percentage point reduction in self-reported diarrhoea compared to the control group. There were also significant increases in the presence of proxy measures in each of the treatment groups (e.g., the presence of soap). We conclude that food hygiene interventions (including hand washing with soap) can significantly reduce diarrhoeal disease prevalence in children under five years in a low-income setting. Therefore, the promotion of food hygiene practices using a behaviour-centred approach should be embedded in nutrition and WASH policies and programming.
Comparative Study of Denitrifying-MBBRs with Different Polyethylene Carriers for Advanced Nitrogen Removal of Real Reverse Osmosis Concentrate
Authors: Wang Tong , Wu Tong , Wang Haiyan , Dong Weiyang , Zhao Yaqian , Chu Zhaosheng , Yan Guokai , Chang Yang
Published: April 2020

Nitrogen (N) remains a great challenge in wastewater treatment while attempts to remove N has continuously been a research point for decades. In this study, the long-term performance of four identical-shape denitrification MBBRs (moving bed biofilm reactors) with four different configurations of cylindrical polyethylene as carriers (Φ25 × 12, Φ25 × 4, Φ15 × 15, and Φ10 × 7 mm) for advanced N removal of real reverse osmosis concentrate was investigated in great detail. The N of the real concentrate can be effectively removed by denitrification MBBRs when the pH, temperature, hydraulic retention time (HRT), C/N ratio, and filling rate are 7.50–8.10, 24~26 °C, 12 hours, 6.6, and 50%, respectively. The results showed that the MBBR with the Φ15 × 15 poly-carrier had the best removal efficiency on NO3-–N (78.0 ± 15.8%), NO2-–N (43.79 ± 9.30%), NH4+–N (55.56 ± 22.28%), and TN (68.9 ± 12.4%). The highest biomass of 2.13 mg/g-carrier was in the Φ15 × 15 poly-carrier was compared with the other three carriers, while the genes of the Φ15 × 15 poly-carrier reactor were also the most abundant. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in the system followed by Bacteroidetes and then Firmicutes. The entire experiment with various parameter examination supported that Φ15 × 15 poly-carrier MBBR was a promising system for N removal in high strength concentrate. Despite the lab-scale trial, the successful treatment of high strength real reverse osmosis concentrate demonstrated the reality of the treated effluent as possible reclaimed water, thus providing a good showcase of N-rich reverse osmosis concentrate purification in practical application.
Social Networking Site Usage and Its’ Impact on Depressive Symptoms among Older Men and Women in South Korea
Authors: Jeon Gyeong-Suk , Choi Kyung-Won , Jang Kwang-Sim
Published: April 2020

Background: We examined the rate of social networking site (SNS) usage and the relationship between SNS usage and depressive symptoms among older men and women in South Korea. Methods: The data were obtained from the Living Profiles of Older People Survey (LPOPS), which comprises a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized Korean older adults living in the community. A total of 10,073 older persons (4286 men and 5787 women) were included in the analysis. Results: A total of 26.0% of the total study population reported to use social network sites. Of the men and women, 32.6 and 21.1%, respectively, used SNS. A higher educational level and higher equivalent household income, lower number of chronic illnesses, no limitation in daily activities, living with others, and having good relationships with friends and neighbors were associated with higher SNS usage among older men and women. SNS usage was significantly associated with reduced depression scores in older men, but not in women. Conclusions: The difference in SNS usage between older men and women might be partially explained by differential exposure to digital technologies and disadvantages in education and economic opportunities. Education programs for digitalization and opportunities to engage with technology need to be provided.
Development of the Theory of Six Value Aggregation Paths in Network Modeling for Spatial Analyses
Authors: Kowalczyk Anna Maria , Bajerowski Tomasz
Published: April 2020

The dynamic development of spatial structures entails looking for new methods of spatial analysis. The aim of this article is to develop a new theory of space modeling of network structures according to six value aggregation paths: minimum and maximum value difference, minimum and maximum value decrease, and minimum and maximum value increase. The authors show how values presenting (describing) various phenomena or states in urban space can be designed as network structures. The dynamic development of spatial structures entails looking for new methods of spatial analysis. This study analyzes these networks in terms of their nature: random or scale-free. The results show that the paths of minimum and maximum value differences reveal one stage of the aggregation of those values. They generate many small network structures with a random nature. Next four value aggregation paths lead to the emergence of several levels of value aggregation and to the creation of scale-free hierarchical network structures. The models developed according to described theory present the quality of urban areas in various versions. The theory of six paths of value combination includes new measuring tools and methods which can impact quality of life and minimize costs of bad designs or space destructions. They are the proper tools for the sustainable development of urban areas.
Evaluation of Geological and Ecological Bearing Capacity and Spatial Pattern along Du-Wen Road Based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) Method
Authors: Wang Zhoufeng , He Xiangqi , Zhang Chen , Xu Jianwei , Wang Yujun
Published: April 2020

As China is a mountainous country, a large quantity of the population has to live in mountainous areas due to limited living space. Most of them cluster along roads in areas with relatively poor traffic conditions. In view of the spatial-temporal change of complex geological and ecological environment along the roads in the mountains, this paper takes the Dujiangyan- Wenchuan (Du-Wen) Road as the research object, and puts forward a method to evaluate the bearing capacity of regional geological and ecological environment based on the evaluation of quality and spatial coupling of bearing capacity. For the needs of the current research, a total number of 20 indicators from three aspects of geological, ecological, and social attributes were selected to carry out the assessment. Based on the GIS platform and evaluation index system, the weight of each evaluation index factor is determined by Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The comprehensive quality of bearing capacity is calculated by the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) algorithm through weighted superposition, which comes to result in the evaluation of geological, ecological, and social environment. Afterward, the bearing capacity of the study area is classified, combining the results of hot spot analysis. The study shows that the spatial distribution of geological, ecological, and socio-economic bearing capacity in this area is highly aggregated, with 31.12% of the area to be classified as suitable construction area, 31.98% as backup reserve area, and 36.79% as unsuitable construction area. The studied triangle area, composed of Yingxiu Town, Xuankou Town, and Dujiangyan City, presents a large area of a high-valued aggregation area, with comprehensive high quality bearing capacity and spatial aggregation, which is better for planning and construction.
A Multi-Scale Representation of Point-of-Interest (POI) Features in Indoor Map Visualization
Authors: Xiao Yi , Ai Tinghua , Yang Min , Zhang Xiang
Published: April 2020

As a result of the increasing popularity of indoor activities, many facilities and services are provided inside buildings; hence, there is a need to visualize points-of-interest (POIs) that can describe these indoor service facilities on indoor maps. Over the last few years, indoor mapping has been a rapidly developing area, with the emergence of many forms of indoor representation. In the design of indoor map applications, cartographical methodologies such as generalization and symbolization can make important contributions. In this study, a self-adaptive method is applied for the design of a multi-scale and personalized indoor map. Based on methods of map generalization and multi-scale representation, we adopt a scale-adaptive strategy to visualize the building structure and POI data on indoor maps. At smaller map scales, the general floor distribution and functional partitioning of each floor are represented, while the POI data are visualized by simple symbols. At larger map scales, the detailed room distribution is displayed, and the service information of the POIs is described by detailed symbols. Different strategies are used for the generalization of the background building structure and the foreground POI data to ensure that both can satisfy real-time performance requirements. In addition, for better personalization, different POI data, symbols or color schemes are shown to users in different age groups, with different genders or with different purposes for using the map. Because this indoor map is adaptive to both the scale and the user, each map scale can provide different map users with decision support from different perspectives.