bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disentangling the Relationship between Tree Biomass Yield and Tree Diversity in Mediterranean Mixed Forests
Authors: Bravo Felipe , Martín Ariza Ana , Dugarsuren Narangarav , Ordóñez Cristóbal
Published: June 2021

Tree biomass and the diversity relationship in mixed forest have an impact on forest ecosystem services provisions. Tree biomass yield is driven by several aspects such as species identity, site condition, stand density, tree age and tree diversity expressed as species mingling and structural diversity. By comparing diverse degrees of tree mixtures in natural forests, we can gain insight into the ecosystem services provision level and dynamic. Two monitoring sites in the Castilian Northern Plateau (Spain) have been analyzed to disentangle the relationships between biodiversity levels and tree biomass yield. Two permanent one hectare (ha) squared plots were established at Llano de San Marugán and Valdepoza. In each plot, all individual trees were measured (diameter and height), georeferenced and its species identity defined. Tree species in the two sites were Pinus sylvestris, Pinus nigra, Pinus pinea, Quercus pyrenaica, Quercus ilex, Quercus faginea and Juniperus thurifera. From these datasets, ten diversity indices that fall in three categories (species richness indices, species compositional/mingling indices and vertical structural indices) were used as predictor variables to fit several candidate models. By merging the trees by site (without considering the species identity) selected models include individual tree basal area as an explanatory variable combining by addition or interaction with diversity indices. When species are analyzed independently, structural diversity impacts on biomass yield in combination (additive or multiplicative) with tree size is negative for Pinus nigra and positive for the other species.
Suppressed Undergrowth of Siberian Spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.) in Early Ontogeny: One-Way Ticket or Survival Strategy?
Authors: Zaitsev Gleb , Davydychev Alexander , Kulagin Alexey , Giniyatullin Rafak , Suleymanov Ruslan , Kulagin Andrey , Egorova Natalya , Komissarov Mikhail , Urazgildin Ruslan , Tagirova Olesya
Published: June 2021

The study examined the growth characteristics of the Siberian spruce (Picea obovata Ledeb.) under the canopy of coniferous forests in early ontogeny. We revealed that spruce undergrowth in adverse conditions is suppressed, is slow to grow and has xylorhizomes. The result is a significant difference in height, age and stage of ontogeny that affects the forest’s growth dynamics. The formation of xylorhizomes changes the relative dimensions of the above-ground part and the plant’s absolute height from 42 to 75%, depending on age. We identified two periods of growth intensity (slow and stable) and the critical age for spruce undergrowth to move from one stage of ontogeny to the next. If it does not make the transition, it will die. There are two strategies for developing spruce undergrowth: a “direct” path during rapid growth and a “waiting” path when the plants are suppressed. Such growth pathways in the pre-generative stage of the Siberian spruce’s ontogeny allow the undergrowth, even in a suppressed state, to survive in an adverse environment under the forest canopy.
Inferences on the Susceptibility of Wood of Different Tree Species to Heterobasidion annosum Sensu Lato Primary Infections and on the Range of Pathogen Spores Dispersal
Authors: Brūna Lauma , Lione Guglielmo , Kenigsvalde Kristīne , Burņeviča Natālija , Zaļuma Astra , Kļaviņa Dārta , Gaitnieks Tālis , Gonthier Paolo
Published: June 2021

Stumps play a pivotal role in the epidemiology of the fungal forest pathogens Heterobasidion spp. because they are the main courts of primary airborne infections. The aims of this study were (i) to determine the susceptibility of seven tree species (i.e., Larix sibirica, Picea abies, Picea sitchensis, Pinus contorta, Pinus strobus, Pinus sylvestris and Pseudotsuga menziesii) to primary infection by H. annosum and H. parviporum through comparative inoculation experiments of conidia on wood discs in controlled conditions; (ii) to compare the susceptibility of wood discs of the same tree species to natural airborne infections in two Latvian Norway spruce forest stands infested either by H. annosum or H. parviporum; (iii) to explore the rates of infection of wood discs at increasing distances from spore sources in these two forests to make inferences on the range of spores dispersal. Results obtained by spraying wood discs with conidial suspensions in controlled conditions are in agreement with those obtained by exposing wood discs to the natural airborne inoculum in the forests, as clearly supported by the significant correlation (r = 0.79; p < 0.05) between the two sets of data. Susceptibility was highest in Pinus species, followed by P. abies and P. sitchensis. Susceptibility was lowest for L. sibirica and P. menziesii. The area colonized by Heterobasidion spp. in the sapwood of wood discs was much greater than that colonized in the heartwood. A sharp decrease in the rate of infection of wood discs with distance from spore sources (i.e., fruiting bodies) was observed, further confirming the importance of local spore sources in the epidemiology of Heterobasidion spp. Taken together, these findings could help designing tactics to manage these fungal forest pathogens.
An Image Hashing-Based Authentication and Secure Group Communication Scheme for IoT-Enabled MANETs
Authors: Albeshri Aiiad
Published: June 2021

Mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) play a highly significant role in the Internet of Things (IoT) for managing node mobility. MANET opens the pathway for different IoT-based communication systems with effective abilities for a variety of applications in several domains. In IoT-based systems, it provides the self-formation and self-connection of networks. A key advantage of MANETs is that any device or node can freely join or leave the network; however, this makes the networks and applications vulnerable to security attacks. Thus, authentication plays an essential role in protecting the network or system from several security attacks. Consequently, secure communication is an important prerequisite for nodes in MANETs. The main problem is that the node moving from one group to another may be attacked on the way by misleading the device to join the neighboring group. To address this, in this paper, we present an authentication mechanism based on image hashing where the network administrator allows the crosschecking of the identity image of a soldier (i.e., a node) in the joining group. We propose the node joining and node migration algorithms where authentication is involved to ensure secure identification. The simulation tool NS-2 is employed to conduct extensive simulations for extracting the results from the trace files. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme based on the memory storage communication overhead and computational cost. In our scheme, the attack can be detected effectively and also provides a highly robust assurance.
Decentralizing Private Blockchain-IoT Network with OLSR
Authors: Chen Xuan , Tian Shujuan , Nguyen Kien , Sekiya Hiroo
Published: June 2021

With data transparency and immutability, the blockchain can provide trustless and decentralized services for Internet of Things (IoT) applications. However, most blockchain-IoT networks, especially those with a private blockchain, are built on top of an infrastructure-based wireless network (i.e., using Wi-Fi access points or cellular base stations). Hence, they are still under the risk of Single-Point-of-Failure (SPoF) on the network layer, hindering the decentralization merit, for example, when the access points or base stations get failures. This paper presents an Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) protocol-based solution for that issue in a private blockchain-IoT application. By decentralizing the underlying network with OLSR, the private blockchain network can avoid SPoF and automatically recover after a failure. Single blockchain connections can be extended to multiple ad hoc hops. Services over blockchain become flexible to fit various IoT scenarios. We show the effectiveness of our solution by constructing a private Ethereum blockchain network running on IoT devices (i.e., Raspberry Pi model 4) with environmental data sensing (i.e., Particular Matter (PM)). The IoT devices use OLSR to form an ad hoc network. The environment data are collected and propagated in transactions to a pre-loaded smart contract periodically. We then evaluate the IoT blockchain network’s recovery time when facing a link error. The evaluation results show that OLSR can automatically recover after the failure. We also evaluate the transaction-oriented latency and block-oriented latency, which indicates the blocks have a high transmission quality, while transactions are transferred individually.
Combined Effects of Amino Acids in Garlic and Buna-Shimeji (Hypsizygus marmoreus) on Suppression of CCl4-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats
Authors: Yamaguchi Yusuke , Hirata Yushi , Saito Takeshi , Kumagai Hitomi
Published: June 2021

The combination of the garlic-derived amino acid, S-allyl-l-cysteine sulfoxide (ACSO), and ornithine or arginine on CCl4-induced hepatic injury was examined. After investigating the effectiveness of the mixture of ACSO and ornithine or arginine in preventing hepatic injury in vivo, an extract rich in ACSO and ornithine was prepared by converting arginine in garlic to ornithine by arginase from Hypsizygus marmoreus (buna-shimeji), after screening the productivity of ornithine among 12 kinds of mushrooms. Co-administration of ACSO with ornithine or arginine suppressed the increase in aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, and the decrease in glutathione S-transferase and cytochrome p450 2E1 activities after CCl4 injection more effectively than a single administration of ACSO. All extracts prepared from garlic and buna-shimeji with low and high contents of ACSO and arginine or ornithine significantly suppressed CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats. Considering that ACSO is tasteless, odourless, and enhances taste, and ornithine has a flat or sweet taste and masks bitterness, the extract rich in ACSO and ornithine from garlic and buna-shimeji could be considered a potential antioxidant food material that can be added to many kinds of food to prevent hepatic injury.
Whole-Gene Deletions of FZD4 Cause Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Huang Li , Lu Jinglin , Zhang Linyan , Zhang Zhaotian , Sun Limei , Li Songshan , Zhang Ting , Chen Limei , Cao Liming , Ding Xiaoyan
Published: June 2021

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is an inherited disorder characterized by abnormalities in the retinal vasculature. The FZD4 gene is associated with FEVR, but the prevalence and impact of FZD4 copy number variation (CNV) on FEVR patients are unknown. The aim of this study was to better understand the genetic features and clinical manifestations of patients with FZD4 CNVs. A total of 651 FEVR families were recruited. Families negative for mutations in FEVR-associated genes were selected for CNV analysis using SeqCNV. Semiquantitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification were conducted to verify the CNVs. Four probands were found to carry whole-gene deletions of FZD4, accounting for 5% (4/80) of probands with FZD4 mutations and 0.6% (4/651) of all FEVR probands. The four probands exhibited similar phenotypes of unilateral retinal folds. FEVR in probands with CNVs was not more severe than in probands with FZD4 missense mutations (p = 1.000). Although this is the first report of FZD4 CNVs and the associated phenotypes, the interpretation of FZD4 CNVs should be emphasized when analyzing the next-generation sequencing data of FEVR patients because of their high prevalence.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the YABBY Transcription Factor Family in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Xia Jichun , Wang Dong , Peng Yuzhou , Wang Wenning , Wang Qianqian , Xu Yang , Li Tongzhou , Zhang Kai , Li Jiana , Xu Xinfu
Published: June 2021

The YABBY family of plant-specific transcription factors play important regulatory roles during the development of leaves and floral organs, but their functions in Brassica species are incompletely understood. Here, we identified 79 YABBY genes from Arabidopsis thaliana and five Brassica species (B. rapa, B. nigra, B. oleracea, B. juncea, and B. napus). A phylogenetic analysis of YABBY proteins separated them into five clusters (YAB1–YAB5) with representatives from all five Brassica species, suggesting a high degree of conservation and similar functions within each subfamily. We determined the gene structure, chromosomal location, and expression patterns of the 21 BnaYAB genes identified, revealing extensive duplication events and gene loss following polyploidization. Changes in exon–intron structure during evolution may have driven differentiation in expression patterns and functions, combined with purifying selection, as evidenced by Ka/Ks values below 1. Based on transcriptome sequencing data, we selected nine genes with high expression at the flowering stage. qRT-PCR analysis further indicated that most BnaYAB family members are tissue-specific and exhibit different expression patterns in various tissues and organs of B. napus. This preliminary study of the characteristics of the YABBY gene family in the Brassica napus genome provides theoretical support and reference for the later functional identification of the family genes.
Special Issue: Molecular Biomarkers in Solid Tumors
Authors: Fusco Nicola , Marchiò Caterina , Ghidini Michele , Scatena Cristian
Published: June 2021

Diagnostic strategies using a next-generation systematic approach have the potential to radically improve the outcome and subsequent quality of life of patients with cancer [...]
Genetic Study of IL6, GDF5 and PAPPA2 in Association with Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Harsanyi Stefan , Zamborsky Radoslav , Krajciova Lubica , Kokavec Milan , Danisovic Lubos
Published: June 2021

Background: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is one of the most prevalent skeletal disorders. DDH is considered a pathologic condition with polygenic background, but environmental and mechanic factors significantly contribute to its multifactorial etiology. Inheritance consistent with autosomal dominant type has also been observed. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in various genes mostly related to formation of connective tissue are studied for a possible association with DDH. Methods: We genotyped three SNPs, rs1800796 located in the promoter region of the IL6 gene, rs143383 located in the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the GDF5 gene and rs726252 located in the fifth intron of the PAPPA2 gene. The study consisted of 45 subjects with DDH and 85 controls from all regions of Slovakia. Results: Association between DDH occurrence and studied genotypes affected by aforementioned polymorphisms was confirmed in the case of rs143383 in the GDF5 gene (p = 0.047), where the T allele was over-expressed in the study group. Meanwhile, in the matter of IL6 and PAPPA2, we found no association with DDH (p = 0.363 and p = 0.478, respectively). Conclusions: These results suggest that there is an association between DDH and GDF5 polymorphisms and that the T allele is more frequently presents in patients suffering from DDH.
Genotype–Phenotype Correlations in Angelman Syndrome
Authors: Yang Lili , Shu Xiaoli , Mao Shujiong , Wang Yi , Du Xiaonan , Zou Chaochun
Published: June 2021

Angelman syndrome (AS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disease that is caused by the loss of function of the maternal copy of ubiquitin–protein ligase E3A (UBE3A) on the chromosome 15q11–13 region. AS is characterized by global developmental delay, severe intellectual disability, lack of speech, happy disposition, ataxia, epilepsy, and distinct behavioral profile. There are four molecular mechanisms of etiology: maternal deletion of chromosome 15q11–q13, paternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 15q11–q13, imprinting defects, and maternally inherited UBE3A mutations. Different genetic types may show different phenotypes in performance, seizure, behavior, sleep, and other aspects. AS caused by maternal deletion of 15q11–13 appears to have worse development, cognitive skills, albinism, ataxia, and more autistic features than those of other genotypes. Children with a UBE3A mutation have less severe phenotypes and a nearly normal development quotient. In this review, we proposed to review genotype–phenotype correlations based on different genotypes. Understanding the pathophysiology of the different genotypes and the genotype–phenotype correlations will offer an opportunity for individualized treatment and genetic counseling. Genotype–phenotype correlations based on larger data should be carried out for identifying new treatment modalities.
The Effect of Exogenous Nitrate on LCO Signalling, Cytokinin Accumulation, and Nodule Initiation in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Gühl Kerstin , Holmer Rens , Xiao Ting Ting , Shen Defeng , Wardhani Titis A. K. , Geurts René , van Zeijl Arjan , Kohlen Wouter
Published: June 2021

Nitrogen fixation by rhizobia is a highly energy-demanding process. Therefore, nodule initiation in legumes is tightly regulated. Environmental nitrate is a potent inhibitor of nodulation. However, the precise mechanism by which this agent (co)regulates the inhibition of nodulation is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that in Medicago truncatula the lipo-chitooligosaccharide-induced accumulation of cytokinins is reduced in response to the application of exogenous nitrate. Under permissive nitrate conditions, perception of rhizobia-secreted signalling molecules leads to an increase in the level of four cytokinins (i.e., iP, iPR, tZ, and tZR). However, under high-nitrate conditions, this increase in cytokinins is reduced. The ethylene-insensitive mutant Mtein2/sickle, as well as wild-type plants grown in the presence of the ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor 2-aminoethoxyvinyl glycine (AVG), is resistant to the inhibition of nodulation by nitrate. This demonstrates that ethylene biosynthesis and perception are required to inhibit nodule organogenesis under high-nitrate conditions.
Brittle Deformation in the Neoproterozoic Basement of Southeast Brazil: Traces of Intraplate Cenozoic Tectonics
Authors: Pinheiro Marcos Roberto , Cianfarra Paola
Published: June 2021

The basement of southeast Brazil is traditionally interpreted as the result of Neoproterozoic and early Paleozoic orogenic cycles. Wide regions of the Atlantic Plateau (southeast Brazil) are characterized by rocks and tectonic structures of Precambrian age. According to the classical literature, these regions have not been affected by tectonics since the Miocene, despite the fact that they rest close to Cenozoic basins, which have suffered recent tectonic deformation. The objective of this research is to evaluate the role of neotectonics in the Atlantic Plateau. This task is accomplished through a multiscalar approach which includes lineament domain analysis from regionally sized digital elevation models and structural geology field surveys. Lineaments are automatically detected and statistically analyzed. Azimuthal analyses of data on faults and fractures by a polynomial Gaussian fit enables the identification of the main structural trends. Fault-slip direct inversion by means of the original Monte Carlo approach allows one to compute the multiple paleostresses that produced the measured fault population. The results show the presence of a principal ENE–WSW lineament domain, related to an old shear zone possibly reactivated since the Miocene. One of the paleostresses computed from fault-slip inversion is in agreement with the neotectonic stress-field proposed by other authors.
Mental Health and Physical Activity in Health-Related University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Talapko Jasminka , Perić Ivan , Vulić Patricia , Pustijanac Emina , Jukić Melita , Bekić Sanja , Meštrović Tomislav , Škrlec Ivana
Published: June 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to increased negative emotional states among students. Physical activity is known to have positive impacts on mental health and well-being. However, due to the closure of gyms and other recreational facilities as a restrictive measure, students’ physical activity levels may decrease. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms and physical activity among health-related students during the second partial COVID-19 lockdown. The study included 823 students from the Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health of the University of Osijek in Croatia. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and the Godin-Shephard Leisure Time Questionnaire for Physical Activity (GSLTPAQ) questionnaires were used to assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms as well as physical activity. Two-thirds (59.2%) of students in health-related fields were insufficiently active, while the prevalence of depression (50.8%), anxiety (50.9%), and stress (49.9%) symptoms were high. Also, female respondents had significantly higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress than their male counterparts. Graduate students had higher levels of all three negative emotional states, but only anxiety levels were significant. This study shows that students in health-related fields had reduced physical activity and a high prevalence of negative emotional conditions (depression, anxiety, and stress) during the second partial lockdown. The resulting symptoms were mostly of mild intensity; however, we consider this a significant mental health issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, it is crucial to control and support students’ mental health, especially in more affected female individuals, in order to reduce the pandemic’s negative impact.
Effects of Rehabilitation Exercise on Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Muscle Cross-Sectional Area in Overweight Patients with Low Back Pain
Authors: Kim Won-Moon , Lee Su-Ah , Park Yun-Jin , Seo Yong-Gon
Published: June 2021

Limited studies exist on the effects of exercise therapy on obese and normal-weight patients. Herein, we investigated the effect of a 12-week rehabilitation exercise program on cardiovascular risk factors, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and change in the cross-sectional area (CSA) of lumbar muscles in patients with obesity and normal-weight low back pain (LBP). LBP patients were allocated to the overweight LBP group (OLG; n = 15) and normal-weight LBP group (NLG; n = 15). They performed a rehabilitation exercise program three times per week for 12 weeks. Cardiovascular risk factors, ODI score, and lumbar muscle CSA were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Body composition, body weight (p < 0.001), and body mass index (p < 0.001) significantly improved after the exercise intervention in OLG. Body fat percentage significantly decreased in both groups, but OLG (p < 0.001) showed slightly greater improvement than NLG (p = 0.034). Total cholesterol (p = 0.013) and low-density lipoprotein (p = 0.002) significantly improved in OLG. ODI score improved significantly in both groups (p = 0.000). Lumbar muscle CSA showed a significant difference in the context of the time result (p = 0.008). OLG showed a significant improvement post-intervention (p = 0.003). The rehabilitation exercise program was more beneficial on cardiovascular risk factors and change in lumbar muscle CSA in OLG, suggesting an intensive exercise intervention needed for overweight patients with LBP.
Smart Health System to Detect Dementia Disorders Using Virtual Reality
Authors: Bayahya Areej Y. , Alhalabi Wadee , AlAmri Sultan H.
Published: June 2021

Smart health technology includes physical sensors, intelligent sensors, and output advice to help monitor patients’ health and adjust their behavior. Virtual reality (VR) plays an increasingly larger role to improve health outcomes, being used in a variety of medical specialties including robotic surgery, diagnosis of some difficult diseases, and virtual reality pain distraction for severe burn patients. Smart VR health technology acts as a decision support system in the diseases diagnostic test of patients as they perform real world tasks in virtual reality (e.g., navigation). In this study, a non-invasive, cognitive computerized test based on 3D virtual environments for detecting the main symptoms of dementia (memory loss, visuospatial defects, and spatial navigation) is proposed. In a recent study, the system was tested on 115 real patients of which thirty had a dementia, sixty-five were cognitively healthy, and twenty had a mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The performance of the VR system was compared with Mini-Cog test, where the latter is used to measure cognitive impaired patients in the traditional diagnosis system at the clinic. It was observed that visuospatial and memory recall scores in both clinical diagnosis and VR system of dementia patients were less than those of MCI patients, and the scores of MCI patients were less than those of the control group. Furthermore, there is a perfect agreement between the standard methods in functional evaluation and navigational ability in our system where P-value in weighted Kappa statistic= 100% and between Mini-Cog-clinical diagnosis vs. VR scores where P-value in weighted Kappa statistic= 93%.
Stress, Social Support, and Resilience in Younger Rural Women: A Structural Equation Model
Authors: Abbott Laurie S. , Graven Lucinda J. , Schluck Glenna , Williams Krystal J.
Published: June 2021

Cardiovascular disease is a global public health problem and leading cause of death. Stress is a modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factor. The objectives of this study were to examine whether stress was a predictor of resilience among rural younger women and to explore whether social support mediated the relationship between acute stress and resilience and between chronic stress and resilience. The study had a cross-sectional, descriptive design. A total of 354 women were randomly recruited in the rural, southeastern United States. Survey instruments were used to collect data about acute stress, chronic stress, social support, and resilience. A structural equation model was fit to test whether social support mediated the relationship between perceived stress and resilience and between chronic stress and resilience. Chronic stress predicted family and belongingness support and all the resilience subscales: adaptability, emotion regulation, optimism, self-efficacy, and social support. Acute stress predicted the self-efficacy subscale of resilience. Family support partially mediated the relationship between chronic stress and self-efficacy. Belongingness support partially mediated the relationships between chronic stress and the social support subscale of resilience.
Learn, Have Fun and Be Healthy! An Interview Study of Swedish Teenagers’ Views of Participation in Club Sport
Authors: Jakobsson Britta Thedin , Lundvall Suzanne
Published: June 2021

In Sweden, participation in club sport is a vital part of many children’s lives. Despite this, many stop in their teenage years, raising questions concerning if and in what ways club sport can provide health-promoting activities via longer, sustained participation. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to explore and discuss young people’s views of club sport from a health-promoting perspective. The analysis draws on three sets of qualitative data: results from focus groups interviews conducted in 2007 (n = 14) and in 2016 (n = 8) as well as 18 in-depth interviews conducted 2008. Antonovsy’s salutogenic theory and his sense of coherence (SOC) model inspired the analysis. Teenagers want to be a part of club sport because of a sense of enjoyment, learning, belonging and feeling healthy. Teenagers stop when sport becomes too serious, non-flexible, time-consuming and too competitive. The urge for flexibility and possibilities to make individual decisions were emphasised in 2016. The organisation of club sport, it seems, has not adapted to changes in society and a generation of teenagers’ health interests. Club sport has the potential to be a health-promoting arena, but the focus should be on changing the club sport environment, instead of a focus on changing young people.
Metacognitive Rating Scale: A Study Applying a Korean Translation to Individuals with Schizophrenia
Authors: Han Mihwa , Lee Kyunghee , Kim Mijung , Heo Youngjin , Choi Hyunseok
Published: June 2021

Metacognition is a higher-level cognition of identifying one’s own mental status, beliefs, and intentions. This research comprised a survey of 184 people with schizophrenia to verify the reliability of the metacognitive rating scale (MCRS) with the revised and supplemented metacognitions questionnaire (MCQ) to measure the dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs of people with schizophrenia by adding the concepts of anger and anxiety. This study analyzed the data using principal component analysis and the varimax method for exploratory factor analysis. To examine the reliability of the extracted factors, Cronbach’s α was used. According to the results, reliability was ensured for five factors: positive beliefs about worry, negative beliefs about uncontrollability and danger of worry, cognitive confidence, need for control, and cognitive self-consciousness. The negative beliefs about uncontrollability and danger of worry and the need for control on anger expression, which were both added in this research, exhibited the highest correlation (r = 0.727). The results suggest that the MCRS is a reliable tool to measure the metacognition of people with schizophrenia.
Modeling Community Health with Areal Data: Bayesian Inference with Survey Standard Errors and Spatial Structure
Authors: Donegan Connor , Chun Yongwan , Griffith Daniel A.
Published: June 2021

Epidemiologists and health geographers routinely use small-area survey estimates as covariates to model areal and even individual health outcomes. American Community Survey (ACS) estimates are accompanied by standard errors (SEs), but it is not yet standard practice to use them for evaluating or modeling data reliability. ACS SEs vary systematically across regions, neighborhoods, socioeconomic characteristics, and variables. Failure to consider probable observational error may have substantial impact on the large bodies of literature relying on small-area estimates, including inferential biases and over-confidence in results. The issue is particularly salient for predictive models employed to prioritize communities for service provision or funding allocation. Leveraging the tenets of plausible reasoning and Bayes’ theorem, we propose a conceptual framework and workflow for spatial data analysis with areal survey data, including visual diagnostics and model specifications. To illustrate, we follow Krieger et al.’s (2018) call to routinely use the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE) to monitor spatial inequalities in health and mortality. We construct and examine SEs for the ICE, use visual diagnostics to evaluate our observational error model for the ICE, and then estimate an ICE–mortality gradient by incorporating the latter model into our model of sex-specific, midlife (ages 55–64), all-cause United States county mortality rates. We urge researchers to consider data quality as a criterion for variable selection prior to modeling, and to incorporate data reliability information into their models whenever possible.
Modelling Analysis of COVID-19 Transmission and the State of Emergency in Japan
Authors: Chen Zhongxiang , Shu Zhiquan , Huang Xiuxiang , Peng Ke , Pan Jiaji
Published: June 2021

To assess the effectiveness of the containment strategies proposed in Japan, an SEIAQR (susceptible-exposed-infected-asymptomatic-quarantined-recovered) model was established to simulate the transmission of COVID-19. We divided the spread of COVID-19 in Japan into different stages based on policies. The effective reproduction number Re and the transmission parameters were determined to evaluate the measures conducted by the Japanese Government during these periods. On 7 April 2020, the Japanese authority declared a state of emergency to control the rapid development of the pandemic. Based on the simulation results, the spread of COVID-19 in Japan can be inhibited by containment actions during the state of emergency. The effective reproduction number Re reduced from 1.99 (before the state of emergency) to 0.92 (after the state of emergency). The transmission parameters were fitted and characterized with quantifiable variables including the ratio of untracked cases, the PCR test index and the proportion of COCOA app users (official contact confirming application). The impact of these variables on the control of COVID-19 was investigated in the modelling analysis. On 8 January 2021, the Japanese Government declared another state of emergency. The simulated results demonstrated that the spread could be controlled in May by keeping the same strategies. A higher intensity of PCR testing was suggested, and a larger proportion of COCOA app users should reduce the final number of infections and the time needed to control the spread of COVID-19.
Relationship between Reactive Strength and Leg Stiffness at Submaximal Velocity: Effects of Age on Distance Runners
Authors: Jaén-Carrillo Diego , Cartón-Llorente Antonio , Lozano-Jarque Demetrio , Rubio-Peirotén Alberto , Roche-Seruendo Luis E. , García-Pinillos Felipe
Published: June 2021

Background: Musculotendinous reactive strength is a key factor for the utilization of elastic energy in sporting activities such as running. AIM: To evaluate the relationship between musculotendinous reactive strength and lower-limb stiffness during running as well as to identify age-related differences in both variables. Methods: Fifty-nine amateur endurance runners performed three 20-cm drop jumps and a constant 3-min easy run on a motorized treadmill. Reactive strength index and dynamic lower-limb stiffness were calculated with a photoelectric cell system by jumping and running, respectively. Additionally, sit to stand difference in plantar arch height was assessed as a static lower-limb stiffness measure. The cluster analysis allows the comparison between younger and older runners. Results: No significant correlations were found between jumping reactive strength and running lower-limb stiffness. The younger group performed better at drop jumps (p = 0.023, ES = 0.82), whereas higher-but-no-significant results were found for reactive strength index and stiffness-related metrics. Conclusions: Musculotendinous vertical reactiveness may not be transferred to combined vertical and horizontal movements such as running.
User Centered Virtual Coaching for Older Adults at Home Using SMART Goal Plans and I-Change Model
Authors: Beristain Iraola Andoni , Álvarez Sánchez Roberto , Hors-Fraile Santiago , Petsani Despoina , Timoleon Michail , Díaz-Orueta Unai , Carroll Joanne , Hopper Louise , Epelde Gorka , Kerexeta Jon , Bamidis Panagiotis , Konstantinidis Evdokimos
Published: June 2021

Preventive care and telemedicine are expected to play an important role in reducing the impact of an increasingly aging global population while increasing the number of healthy years. Virtual coaching is a promising research area to support this process. This paper presents a user-centered virtual coach for older adults at home to promote active and healthy aging and independent living. It supports behavior change processes for improving on cognitive, physical, social interaction and nutrition areas using specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-limited (SMART) goal plans, following the I-Change behavioral change model. Older adults select and personalize which goal plans to join from a catalog designed by domain experts. Intervention delivery adapts to user preferences and minimizes intrusiveness in the user’s daily living using a combination of a deterministic algorithm and incremental machine learning model. The home becomes an augmented reality environment, using a combination of projectors, cameras, microphones and support sensors, where common objects are used for projection and sensed. Older adults interact with this virtual coach in their home in a natural way using speech and body gestures on projected user interfaces with common objects at home. This paper presents the concept from the older adult and the caregiver perspectives. Then, it focuses on the older adult view, describing the tools and processes available to foster a positive behavior change process, including a discussion about the limitations of the current implementation.
Perpetration of and Victimization in Cyberbullying and Traditional Bullying in Adolescents with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Roles of Impulsivity, Frustration Intolerance, and Hostility
Authors: Liu Tai-Ling , Hsiao Ray C. , Chou Wen-Jiun , Yen Cheng-Fang
Published: June 2021

Victimization and perpetration of cyberbullying and traditional bullying are prevalent among adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This study examined the associations of impulsivity, frustration discomfort, and hostility with victimization and with the perpetration of cyberbullying and traditional bullying in adolescents with ADHD. Self-reported involvement in cyberbullying and traditional bullying was assessed in 195 adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of ADHD. Adolescents also completed questionnaires for impulsivity, frustration discomfort, and hostility. Caregivers completed the Child Behavior Checklist for adolescents’ ADHD, internalization, oppositional defiance, and problems with conduct. The associations of impulsivity, frustration discomfort, and hostility with victimization and perpetration of cyberbullying and traditional bullying were examined using logistic regression analysis. The results demonstrated that after the effects of demographic characteristics and behavioral problems were controlled for, frustration intolerance increased the risks of being cyberbullying victims and perpetrators whereas hostility increased the risks of being the victims and perpetrators of traditional bullying. Impulsivity was not significantly associated with any type of bullying involvement. Prevention and intervention programs should alleviate frustration intolerance and hostility among adolescents with ADHD.
Is There a Temporal Relationship between COVID-19 Infections among Prison Staff, Incarcerated Persons and the Larger Community in the United States?
Authors: Wallace Danielle , Eason John M. , Walker Jason , Towers Sherry , Grubesic Tony H. , Nelson Jake R.
Published: June 2021

Background: Our objective was to examine the temporal relationship between COVID-19 infections among prison staff, incarcerated individuals, and the general population in the county where the prison is located among federal prisons in the United States. Methods: We employed population-standardized regressions with fixed effects for prisons to predict the number of active cases of COVID-19 among incarcerated persons using data from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for the months of March to December in 2020 for 63 prisons. Results: There is a significant relationship between the COVID-19 prevalence among staff, and through them, the larger community, and COVID-19 prevalence among incarcerated persons in the US federal prison system. When staff rates are low or at zero, COVID-19 incidence in the larger community continues to have an association with COVID-19 prevalence among incarcerated persons, suggesting possible pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic transmission by staff. Masking policies slightly reduced COVID-19 prevalence among incarcerated persons, though the association between infections among staff, the community, and incarcerated persons remained significant and strong. Conclusion: The relationship between COVID-19 infections among staff and incarcerated persons shows that staff is vital to infection control, and correctional administrators should also focus infection containment efforts on staff, in addition to incarcerated persons.
Anxiety and Worries among Pregnant Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Esteban-Gonzalo Sara , Caballero-Galilea María , González-Pascual Juan Luis , Álvaro-Navidad Miguel , Esteban-Gonzalo Laura
Published: June 2021

Background. Several studies have identified pregnant women as a vulnerable group during the COVID-19 pandemic. The perinatal period has been identified as a stage of great risk for the mental health of pregnant women, due to a large increase in mental pathologies during this period. In this context, the objective of the present study was to assess the associations between socioeconomic and demographic factors, health concerns and health information management, and anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic in pregnant Spanish women. Method. The sample of this cross-sectional study was comprised of 353 pregnant women, aged 18 or older and residing in Spain. Data collection was carried out from 1 June to 30 September 2020. Participants were recruited from Quirónsalud University Hospital of Madrid. Multilevel regression models were built to value the associations between demographic factors, health concerns and health information management, and anxiety level during the COVID-19 pandemic among pregnant women. Results. Reduced working hours and income due to the COVID-19 pandemic were related to increased anxiety levels, as was the level of concern about COVID-19 symptoms, potential complications, contagion and consequences for the baby. Worries caused by restrictive measures adopted against COVID-19 and resulting isolation, delivery, postpartum and breastfeeding were also associated with increased anxiety levels. Being a separated or divorced woman and being informed to a greater extent by a midwife were related to lower anxiety levels. An increase in the degree of information obtained about COVID-19 symptoms, complications, contagion and consequences for the baby, restrictive measures and isolation adopted against COVID-19, delivery, postpartum and breastfeeding, were also related to decreased anxiety levels. Conclusions. The most vulnerable future mothers in terms of anxiety levels are those with reduced working hours and income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those with a higher level of concern and who had access to a lesser degree of information about COVID-19 (symptoms and complications, contagion and consequences on the baby, restrictive measures and isolation, delivery, postpartum and breastfeeding), as well as pregnant women who have obtained information about COVID-19 during pregnancy from TV.
Perceptions of Good-Quality Antenatal Care and Birthing Services among Postpartum Women in Nepal
Authors: Rajbanshi Sushma , Norhayati Mohd Noor , Nik Hazlina Nik Hussain
Published: June 2021

Patient complaints and dissatisfaction should be taken seriously and used as an opportunity to provide acceptable services. Mounting evidence shows that the perception of the quality of healthcare services impacts health-seeking behaviors. This study explores the perceptions of good-quality antenatal and birthing services among postpartum women. A qualitative study using phenomenological inquiry was conducted in the Morang district, Nepal. The study participants were postpartum women with at least one high-risk factor who refused the referral hospital’s birth advice. A total of 14 women were purposively selected and interviewed in-depth. NVivo 12 Plus software was used for systematic coding, and thematic analysis was performed manually. Three themes emerged: (i) women’s opinions and satisfactory factors of health services, (ii) expectations of the health facility and staff, and (iii) a lack of suggestions to improve the quality of care. Women did not have many expectations from the healthcare facility or the healthcare providers and could not express what good quality of care meant for them. Women from low socioeconomic status and marginalized ethnicities lack knowledge of their basic reproductive rights. These women judge the quality of care in terms of staff interpersonal behavior and personal experiences. Women will not demand quality services if they lack an understanding of their basic health rights.
An Investigation of Knee Injury Profiles among Iranian Elite Karatekas: Observations from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Naserpour Hamidreza , Baker Julien S. , Letafatkar Amir , Rossettini Giacomo , Dutheil Frédéric
Published: June 2021

Karate training, despite the many positive health benefits, carries a risk of injury for participants. The current cross-sectional study aimed to investigate knee injury profiles among Iranian elite karatekas. Participants who attended the national team qualifiers, which included 390 male Kumite karatekas (age 24 ± 3 years old and weight 63 ± 12 kg), participated in this study. Information on knee injuries (injury history, type of injury mechanisms, and effects of knee symptoms on the ability to perform daily activities and recreational activities) were obtained using the Knee Outcome Survey (KOS). Using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, the study examined the relationships between different variables, including KOS subscales and levels of self-reported knee joint function. Our findings indicated that 287 karatekas (73.6%) experienced knee injuries. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture (6.9%), articular cartilage (5.4%), and meniscus damage (3.8%) were the main typology of injury. In addition, there were no differences in knee injuries between the non-dominant and dominant legs. Most injuries occurred during the preparatory period (n = 162, 50%), especially during training periods. The KOS subscales scores (Mean ± Sd) for activities of daily living (ADL) and sports activity (SAS) were, respectively, 89 ± 11 and 91 ± 9. The self-reported scores for both the ADL and SAS subscales were, respectively, 89 ± 11 and 90 ± 10. Pearson coefficients of ADL and SAS subscales with their self-reported score were r = 0.761 (p < 0.0001) and r = 0.782 and (p < 0.0001), respectively. The profile of knee injuries in the current investigation is similar to previous surveys that reported lower extremity injury patterns. The findings of this study could be adopted to inform practice aimed at planning interventions for the reduction and prevention of knee injuries among karatekas.
Measuring the Level of Medical-Emergency-Related Knowledge among Senior Dental Students and Clinical Trainers
Authors: Gazal Giath , Aljohani Hamzah , Al-Samadani Khalid H , Nassani Mohammad Zakaria
Published: June 2021

Objectives: This study aimed to measure the level of medical-emergency-related knowledge among senior dental students and clinical trainers in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional pilot survey was conducted at Taibah Dental College, Madina, Saudi Arabia between March 2017 and November 2018. Two hundred and seventy-five self-administered anonymous questionnaires on the management of common medical emergencies were distributed to all senior dental students and clinical trainers at Taibah Dental College. Results: There was a serious lack of knowledge regarding the management of medical emergency scenarios among the participants. Only 54% of participants knew the correct management for some frequent and life-threating conditions such as “crushed chest pain”, and only 30–35% of participants knew the correct management of deeply sedated patients with benzodiazepine overdose and crisis of hypoadrenalism. Moderate-quality knowledge (50–74% of participants responded correctly) was noted for the following conditions: sudden onset of brain stroke, psychiatric patient, unconscious patient with hypoglycemia, patient with postural hypotension, and patient with hyperventilation. Based on the scale of knowledge, there were significant differences in the level of knowledge between clinical trainers, senior dental students, and junior dental students (p ≤ 0.01). Almost all students and 90% of trainers declared the need for further training. Conclusions: The overall knowledge regarding the management of medical emergency crises in the dental chair was moderate. However, the scale of knowledge regarding the management of medical emergency crises has gradually increased with the number of years of experience. Most participants recognize the need for further training.