bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting KRAS in Cancer: Promising Therapeutic Strategies
Authors: Mustachio Lisa Maria , Chelariu-Raicu Anca , Szekvolgyi Lorant , Roszik Jason
Published: March 2021

The Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) is mutated in approximately 25% of all human cancers and is known to be a major player promoting and maintaining tumorigenesis through the RAS/MAPK pathway. Over the years, a large number of studies have identified strategies at different regulatory levels to tackle this ‘difficult-to-target’ oncoprotein. Yet, the most ideal strategy to overcome KRAS and its downstream effects has yet to be uncovered. This review summarizes the role of KRAS activating mutations in multiple cancer types as well as the key findings for potential strategies inhibiting its oncogenic behavior. A comprehensive analysis of the different pathways and mechanisms associated with KRAS activity in tumors will ultimately pave the way for promising future work that will identify optimum therapeutic strategies.
Evolution of the Role of Radiotherapy for Anal Cancer
Authors: Dee Edward Christopher , Byrne James D. , Wo Jennifer Y.
Published: March 2021

Prior to the 1980s, the primary management of localized anal cancer was surgical resection. Dr. Norman Nigro and colleagues introduced neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy prior to abdominoperineal resection. Chemoradiotherapy 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin C afforded patients complete pathologic response and obviated the need for upfront surgery. More recent studies have attempted to alter or exclude chemotherapy used in the Nigro regimen to mitigate toxicity, often with worse outcomes. Reductions in acute adverse effects have been associated with marked advancements in radiotherapy delivery using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and image-guidance radiation delivery, resulting in increased tolerance to greater radiation doses. Ongoing trials are attempting to improve IMRT-based treatment of locally advanced disease with efforts to increase personalized treatment. Studies are also examining the role of newer treatment modalities such as proton therapy in treating anal cancer. Here we review the evolution of radiotherapy for anal cancer and describe recent advances. We also elaborate on radiotherapy’s role in locally persistent or recurrent anal cancer.
Complement in Tumourigenesis and the Response to Cancer Therapy
Authors: O’Brien Rebecca M. , Cannon Aoife , Reynolds John V. , Lysaght Joanne , Lynam-Lennon Niamh
Published: March 2021

In recent years, our knowledge of the complement system beyond innate immunity has progressed significantly. A modern understanding is that the complement system has a multifaceted role in malignancy, impacting carcinogenesis, the acquisition of a metastatic phenotype and response to therapies. The ability of local immune cells to produce and respond to complement components has provided valuable insights into their regulation, and the subsequent remodeling of the tumour microenvironment. These novel discoveries have advanced our understanding of the immunosuppressive mechanisms supporting tumour growth and uncovered potential therapeutic targets. This review discusses the current understanding of complement in cancer, outlining both direct and immune cell-mediated roles. The role of complement in response to therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy is also presented. While complement activities are largely context and cancer type-dependent, it is evident that promising therapeutic avenues have been identified, in particular in combination therapies.
Cache Domain Containing 1 Is a Novel Marker of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis-Associated Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Kakehashi Anna , Chariyakornkul Arpamas , Suzuki Shugo , Khuanphram Napaporn , Tatsumi Kumiko , Yamano Shotaro , Fujioka Masaki , Gi Min , Wongpoomchai Rawiwan , Wanibuchi Hideki
Published: March 2021

In the present study, potential molecular biomarkers of NASH hepatocarcinogenesis were investigated using the STAM mice NASH model, characterized by impaired insulin secretion and development of insulin resistance. In this model, 2-days-old C57BL/6N mice were subjected to a single subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of 200 μg streptozotocin (STZ) to induce diabetes mellitus (DM). Four weeks later, mice were administered high-fat diet (HFD) HFD-60 for 14 weeks (STAM group), or fed control diet (STZ group). Eighteen-week-old mice were euthanized to allow macroscopic, microscopic, histopathological, immunohistochemical and proteome analyses. The administration of HFD to STZ-treated mice induced significant fat accumulation and fibrosis development in the liver, which progressed to NASH, and rise of hepatocellular adenomas (HCAs) and carcinomas (HCCs). In 18-week-old animals, a significant increase in the incidence and multiplicity of HCAs and HCCs was found. On the basis of results of proteome analysis of STAM mice HCCs, a novel highly elevated protein in HCCs, cache domain-containing 1 (CACHD1), was chosen as a potential NASH-HCC biomarker candidate. Immunohistochemical assessment demonstrated that STAM mice liver basophilic, eosinophilic and mixed-type altered foci, HCAs and HCCs were strongly positive for CACHD1. The number and area of CACHD1-positive foci, and cell proliferation index in the area of foci in mice of the STAM group were significantly increased compared to that of STZ group. In vitro siRNA knockdown of CACHD1 in human Huh7 and HepG2 liver cancer cell lines resulted in significant inhibition of cell survival and proliferation. Analysis of the proteome of knockdown cells indicated that apoptosis and autophagy processes could be activated. From these results, CACHD1 is an early NASH-associated biomarker of liver preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions, and a potential target protein in DM/NASH-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.
Can We Provide Safe Training and Competition for All Athletes? From Mobile Heart Monitoring to Side Effects of Performance-Enhancing Drugs and MicroRNA Research
Authors: Małek Łukasz A. , Postuła Marek
Published: March 2021

The foundations of sports cardiology include promoting physical activity and an ability to provide a safe environment for training and competition for all athletes at all levels, from professional to recreational [...]
Time-Reversibility, Causality and Compression-Complexity
Authors: Kathpalia Aditi , Nagaraj Nithin
Published: March 2021

Detection of the temporal reversibility of a given process is an interesting time series analysis scheme that enables the useful characterisation of processes and offers an insight into the underlying processes generating the time series. Reversibility detection measures have been widely employed in the study of ecological, epidemiological and physiological time series. Further, the time reversal of given data provides a promising tool for analysis of causality measures as well as studying the causal properties of processes. In this work, the recently proposed Compression-Complexity Causality (CCC) measure (by the authors) is shown to be free of the assumption that the "cause precedes the effect", making it a promising tool for causal analysis of reversible processes. CCC is a data-driven interventional measure of causality (second rung on the Ladder of Causation) that is based on Effort-to-Compress (ETC), a well-established robust method to characterize the complexity of time series for analysis and classification. For the detection of the temporal reversibility of processes, we propose a novel measure called the Compressive Potential based Asymmetry Measure. This asymmetry measure compares the probability of the occurrence of patterns at different scales between the forward-time and time-reversed process using ETC. We test the performance of the measure on a number of simulated processes and demonstrate its effectiveness in determining the asymmetry of real-world time series of sunspot numbers, digits of the transcedental number π and heart interbeat interval variability.
In-Vehicle Networking/Autonomous Vehicle Security for Internet of Things/Vehicles
Authors: Shon Taeshik
Published: March 2021

In recent years, vehicles have become one of the most common examples in the area of ICT convergence applications and services [...]
Linear Chain Method for Numerical Modelling of Burnup Systems
Authors: Cetnar Jerzy , Stanisz Przemysław , Oettingen Mikołaj
Published: March 2021

The theoretical aspects of the linear chain method for the numerical modelling of nuclear transmutation systems, and particularly regarding the transmutation trajectory analysis (TTA), are presented. The theoretical background of the TTA method, as an advanced version of the linear chain method, with the detailed description of the applied mathematical set-up and graphical visualisation of transformation chains, is shown. As the TTA method was initially developed at the AGH University of Science and Technology almost 25 years ago, several numerical implementations were introduced worldwide, yet the mathematical improvements or alternative forms of solutions and numerical algorithms were reported since then. The method was also implemented and tested by different research groups, also in confrontation with alternative approaches to the nuclear transformation problem known as the matrix method. The aim of the paper is to present the background of the developed method and its advantages, clarify misunderstandings in the method perception and suggest unexplored options in numerical algorithm implementation.
A Novel Data Management Methodology and Case Study for Monitoring and Performance Analysis of Large-Scale Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) and Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) System
Authors: Todorov Oleg , Alanne Kari , Virtanen Markku , Kosonen Risto
Published: March 2021

Aalto New Campus Complex (ANCC) is a recently inaugurated educational facility at Aalto University, located in Otaniemi (Espoo), Finland. Within over 40,000 m2, it comprises two faculties, a shopping center, recreational areas, and a metro station. ANCC is also a large-scale application of Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP)–Borehole Thermal Energy Storage (BTES) in Finland, comprising an irregular BTES field of 74 boreholes with an overall length of roughly 23 km and 4 million m3 of energy storage. Therefore, accurate monitoring of the GSHP–BTES energy system is crucial for sustainable and efficient long-term operation. Due to the fundamental issues affecting the accuracy of all thermal energy meters, a novel methodology adjusting for consistency of the measured data (in order to accomplish daily energy balance on both sides of the GSHP) is developed. The proposed methodology is used also in conjunction with reconstruction of missing relevant data before April/May 2020 by applying linear regression techniques. The developed data management is considered essential due to its capability to handle measured data with high uncertainty (thermal meters) by using highly accurate data regarding the GSHP power demand. Additionally, operational data and relevant GSHP performance indicators for the 18-month period starting from July 2019 is presented and analyzed.
Fighting Energy Poverty Using User-Driven Approaches in Mountainous Greece: Lessons Learnt from a Living Lab
Authors: Papada Lefkothea , Balaskas Anastasios , Katsoulakos Nikolas , Kaliampakos Dimitris , Damigos Dimitris
Published: March 2021

The experience of operating an energy-related Living Lab (LL) in mountainous Greece is presented in this paper in an attempt to explore the dynamics of such initiatives to address energy vulnerability. The LL is situated in Metsovo, which is a typical mountainous town of Greece with increased vulnerability issues identified in previous studies. Since Greek mountainous societies have proved to be particularly exposed to energy poverty, the LL aimed to function as an exemplary case on how to tackle energy poverty issues in mountainous regions, mainly through reducing energy consumption and improving energy efficiency. The methodological context was based on a holistic LL approach consisting of various activities, such as conduction of energy cafés, questionnaire surveys, home visits from Energy Advisors, installation of monitoring equipment, ICT tools and processing, etc. In particular, the LL consisted of three independent rounds, each of which involved 50 households, with 30 of them being equipped with monitoring tools. Energy advisors repeatedly visited households to collect information (on heating expenses, behavioral aspects, etc.) and offer household-specific advice on potential energy savings measures. Overall, the LL operation proved to have benefited most participants (76%), especially households with monitoring equipment, as 85.5% of the last ones already applied energy-efficiency measures and 80% made further plans for future investments. Through the particular LL example, apart from the benefits delivered to the local society, useful information can be provided to policy-makers toward addressing more effectively energy vulnerability in mountainous societies.
Simulation of the Optimal Refrigerated Floor Design for Ice Rinks
Authors: Zhou Wenjie , Gan Zhihua , Han Lei
Published: March 2021

A good design of the ice rink floor could save a great deal of capital and operational costs for hockey arenas. This ice rink floor design focuses on a cost-effective tube arrangement and an optimal concrete coverage over the tubes that could provide sufficient heat transfer rate between the coolant and the freezing ice. This paper reports a theoretical model to simulate the heat transfer characteristic of a different tube diameter, spacing distance, and thickness of the concrete coverage of the tubes of an ice rink. In addition, calcium chloride and ethylene glycol with water solutions are compared to figure out the pros and cons of these two secondary coolants. This model prediction is compared to the typical ice floor arrangement in order to determine the best floor construction scenario.
A Comparative Study of Biofuels and Fischer–Tropsch Diesel Blends on the Engine Combustion Performance for Reducing Exhaust Gaseous and Particulate Emissions
Authors: Andrade Torres Felipe , Doustdar Omid , Herreros Jose Martin , Li Runzhao , Poku Robert , Tsolakis Athanasios , Martins Jorge , Vieira de Melo Silvio A. B.
Published: March 2021

The worldwide consumption of fossil hydrocarbons in the road transport sector in 2020 corresponded to roughly half of the overall consumption. However, biofuels have been discreetly contributing to mitigate gaseous emissions and participating in sustainable development, and thus leading to the extending of the commercial utilization of internal combustion engines. In this scenario, the present work aims at exploring the effects of alternative fuels containing a blend of 15% ethanol and 35% biodiesel with a 50% fossil diesel (E15D50B35) or 50% Fischer–Tropsch (F-T) diesel (E15FTD50B35) on the engine combustion, exhaust emissions (CO, HC, and NOx), particulate emissions characteristics as well as the performance of an aftertreatment system of a common rail diesel engine. It was found that one of the blends (E15FTD50B35) showed more than 30% reduction in PM concentration number, more than 25% reduction in mean particle size, and more than 85% reduction in total PM mass with respect to conventional diesel fuel. Additionally, it was found that the E15FTD50B35 blend reduces gaseous emissions of total hydrocarbons (THC) by more than 25% and NO by 3.8%. The oxidation catalyst was effective in carbonaceous emissions reduction, despite the catalyst light-off being slightly delayed in comparison to diesel fuel blends.
Modeling of Species Distribution and Biodiversity in Forests
Authors: Brunialti Giorgio , Frati Luisa
Published: March 2021

Understanding the patterns of biodiversity and their relationship with environmental gradients is a key issue in ecological research and conservation in forests [...]
Time–Motion Analysis by Playing Positions of Male Handball Players during the European Championship 2020
Authors: Manchado Carmen , Pueo Basilio , Chirosa-Rios Luis Javier , Tortosa-Martínez Juan
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to analyze time–motion characteristics of elite male handball players during the last European Championship 2020. A total of 414 players from 24 national teams were analyzed during 65 matches using a local positioning system (LPS) for the first time in a European Championship. Players (n = 1865) covered significantly (p < 0.001; ES = 0.48) more total distance in offense (1217.48 ± 699.33 m) and in all locomotion categories (p < 0.001) than in defense (900.96 ± 538.95 m), with a similar average total time on court (13.40 ± 8.19 min in offense and 13.27 ± 8.59 min; p > 0.05). The running pace was significantly higher in offense 96.53 ± 22.57 m/min than in defense 82.72 ± 43.28 m/min (p < 0.001; ES = 0.47). By playing positions, the Left Wing players covered significantly (p < 0.001) higher distances (2547.14 ± 1309.52) and showed longer playing time (32.08 ± 17.01). Center Back was the playing position that showed the highest global running pace (98.34 m/min). Players with higher running pace in offense (p < 0.001) were Left Backs (105.95 ± 25.20) and the Center Backs in defense (95.76 ± 48.90). There were no significant differences between winners and losers or between top ranked and lower ranked teams in terms of time played, distance covered, and running pace. Specific physical conditioning is necessary to maximize performance and minimize fatigue when performing in long tournaments.
The Relative Contributions of Different Chemical Components to the Oxidative Potential of Ambient Fine Particles in Nanjing Area
Authors: Ma Xiaoyun , Nie Dongyang , Chen Mindong , Ge Pengxiang , Liu Zhengjiang , Ge Xinlei , Li Zhirao , Gu Rui
Published: March 2021

Ambient fine particles (PM2.5) have been shown to have adverse health effects by inducing oxidative stress. Here, dithiothreitol (DTT)-based oxidative potential (OP) was used to assess the capacity of oxidative stress caused by PM2.5. In this study, PM2.5 samples were collected in the Nanjing area in 2016, and physicochemical properties and DTT activity were investigated. The annual mean PM2.5 mass concentration was 73 μg m−3 and greatly varied among seasons (spring > winter > summer > autumn). Three fluorescent substances were identified by the excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectrum. The annual mean mass-normalized DTT activity (DTTm; 0.02 nmol min−1 μg−1) was similar to that documented for cities of some developed countries. The annual mean volume-normalized DTT activity (DTTv) showed a relatively high value of 1.16 nmol min−1 m−3, and the seasonal mean DTTv was highest in winter, followed by spring, autumn, and summer, whose pattern is different from PM2.5 mass concentration. Correlation and multiple linear regression analysis suggested that transition metals may have a greater effect on OP in autumn and winter, humic-like substances and UV absorbing aromatic substances may have a strong effect on OP in spring and summer. Generally, this study enhances our understanding of seasonal variation in health effects associated with PM2.5.
The Mediating Role of Classroom Climate on School Violence
Authors: Montero-Montero David , López-Martínez Paula , Martínez-Ferrer Belén , Moreno-Ruiz David
Published: March 2021

Mediation analysis has been confirmed as a very useful statistical tool in the social sciences, especially in school-related studies. This type of analysis was used in the present study to examine the mediating role of classroom climate (measured with the classroom environmental scale), categorized into three dimensions, namely involvement, affiliation, and teacher support, on the relationship between peer victimization and peer aggression. The participants consisted of 2011 adolescents (50.67% boys and 49.32% girls), aged between 12 and 18 years old (M = 14.17; SD = 1.47), enrolled in schools in Andalusia (Spain). Findings revealed a significant direct relationship of all the dimensions. They also revealed that teacher support was the only dimension that mediates in the relationship between peer violence and peer aggression. The results and their implications for improving classroom climate and school violence are discussed.
What Predicts Korean Citizens’ Mask-Wearing Behaviors? Health Beliefs and Protective Behaviors against Particulate Matter
Authors: Kim Jarim , Kim Yerim
Published: March 2021

Air pollution has become a critically important contemporary issue, exposing people to various health risks worldwide. Air pollution problems cannot be resolved in the short-term; therefore, citizens in regions with low air quality are encouraged to take protective actions such as wearing masks to filter particulate matter. However, compliance with such recommendations is limited. To enhance the effectiveness of health promotion in this regard, this study applied the health belief model to examine the factors that affect mask-wearing behaviors. It also investigates the factors that influence particulate matter-related health beliefs and protective behaviors. A cross-sectional survey with 200 Korean citizens was conducted. The results revealed associations between masking behaviors and both perceived benefits of and perceived physical barriers to wearing masks. In addition, sex, education, income, and having heard of different particulate matter-related health consequences were found to predict mask-wearing. This study demonstrates the utility of the health belief model in the context of air pollution and has practical implications for health promotion practitioners.
Perceived Helpfulness of a Moderated Online Social Therapy Network for Young People Experiencing Social Anxiety
Authors: O’Bree Bridget , Walton Courtney C , Bendall Sarah , Wilson Michael , Valentine Lee , McEnery Carla , D’Alfonso Simon , Alvarez-Jimenez Mario , Rice Simon
Published: March 2021

There is a growing need for more effective delivery of digital mental health interventions, particularly for individuals experiencing difficulty accessing or engaging with traditional face-to-face therapy. Young people with social anxiety, and young males with social anxiety in particular need interventions sensitized to their needs. While digital interventions for mental health have proliferated, increasing their accessibility and utility, the data on acceptability and effectiveness of these interventions, however, indicates a need for improvement. The current study sought to utilise qualitative data from semi-structured interviews with 70 participants (male n = 33; age range = 14–25 years, mean age = 19.8) from a single-group pilot study of a novel intervention for young people with social anxiety (Entourage), using a content analysis approach. Results indicated that participants spoke about five main categories: connection, anxiety management, appeal, disengagement and system improvement. No overt gender differences were found in the appeal or perceived helpfulness of the Entourage platform. The current study provides valuable information and suggestions to guide future improvement of digital interventions for young people, particularly those experiencing social anxiety.
Does Environmental Policy Help Green Industry? Evidence from China’s Promotion of Municipal Solid Waste Sorting
Authors: Chen Di , Wang Yue , Wen Yang , Du Honglin , Tan Xue , Shi Lei , Ma Zhong
Published: March 2021

As municipal solid waste severely threatens human health and the ecological environment, since 2019, China has started to fully practice MSW sorting in all prefecture-level cities. In this paper, we apply the event study and difference-in-difference methods to investigate how China’s green policy of promoting MSW sorting influences listed waste sorting companies from the perspective of investors’ short-term and long-term reactions. This paper finds that investors are not sensitive to the introduction of MSW sorting in the short term, the new environmental policy does not relieve the financing constraints of related enterprises in the long run, and the financing constraints of private enterprises are stricter than those of state-owned enterprises. These findings indicate that China’s current encouragement of garbage sorting is not efficient enough as it has not brought benefits to the waste classification industry yet. More measures need to be taken to eliminate uncertainties in urban waste sorting. Our paper enriches the research on China’s waste sorting practices and provides new evidence of the effects of environmental policy on related firms from the perspective of green industry.
Is 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Associated with Glycosylated Hemoglobin in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Saudi Arabia? A Population Based Study
Authors: AlQuaiz AlJohara M , Alrasheed Abdullah A , Kazi Ambreen , Batais Mohammad Ali , Alhabeeb Khaled M , Jamal Amr , Fouda Mona A
Published: March 2021

Background: Saudi Arabia has a high burden of diabetes mellitus and vitamin D deficiency. The objective of this study was to explore the association between glycosylated hemoglobin and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: An interview based cross-sectional study was conducted on 606 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 30–75 years, visiting primary health care centers. Blood samples were collected for measuring HbA1c, 25(OH)D and bone and lipid markers. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the association between HbA1c and 25(OH)D. Results: The mean (±SD) levels for HbA1c and 25(OH) D were 7.69 (±1.77) and 44.28 (±23.06), respectively. Around 55% of patients had uncontrolled HbA1c (>7.0), whereas vitamin D deficiency (<50 nmol/L) was found in 52.3% (=317). Multiple linear regression analysis found that a unit increase in vitamin D levels and parathyroid hormone levels was associated with −0.17 (−0.02, −0.01, p < 0.001) and −0.20 (−2.66, −1.18, p < 0.001) unit decrease in levels of HbA1c, respectively. Similarly, increasing age was associated with −0.15 (−0.01, −0.04, p = 0.002) unit decrease in HbA1c levels, whereas unit increases in serum alkaline phosphatase, calcium and diabetes duration were associated with 0.22 (0.01, 0.02, p < 0.001), 0.14 (1.03, 3.88, p = 0.001) and 0.26 (0.42, 0.78, p < 0.001) unit increase in HbA1c levels, respectively. Conclusion: HbA1c levels are associated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. For better control of HbA1c levels, it is important to maintain 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and bone markers within normal range.
How the Tower Air Traffic Controller Workload Influences the Capacity in a Complex Three-Runway Airport
Authors: Di Mascio Paola , Carrara Riccardo , Frasacco Luca , Luciano Eleonora , Ponziani Andrea , Moretti Laura
Published: March 2021

Air traffic controllers aim to optimize airport capacity, that is to increase the number of aircraft movements per hour maintaining a limited delay. There are several definitions of capacity, which depend on the considered airport element. This study focused on the development of a method that allows evaluating the impact of tower air traffic controllers’ workload on airport capacity. It adapts a model for the workload of sector controllers designed by Eurocontrol to tower controllers and tests it on a heavily busy international airport. In order to collect controllers’ working times, a campaign of data collection has been carried out from the radio frequency occupation. The results allowed us to extrapolate the hourly percentage of work of the various tower controllers using a fast-time simulation software. By imposing an hourly working threshold on tower air traffic controllers, it was possible to obtain a maximum number of manageable aircraft, which was compared with the airside capacity of the airport. The results show that the maximum traffic manageable from the airside would produce unacceptable workload for tower controllers, highlighting the link between airport capacity and the human component.
Characteristics of Physical Exercise Programs for Older Adults in Latin America: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Vásquez-Araneda Eduardo , Solís-Vivanco Rodrigo Ignacio , Mahecha-Matsudo Sandra , Zapata-Lamana Rafael , Cigarroa Igor
Published: March 2021

Aim: To characterize physical exercise programs for older adults in Latin America. Methods: This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA statement. A search for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between the years 2015 and 2020 was performed in the Scopus, MedLine and SciELO databases. Results: A total of 101 RCTs were included. A large percentage of the studies had an unclear risk of bias in the items: selection, performance, detection and attribution. Furthermore, a heterogeneous level of compliance was observed in the CERT items. A total sample of 5013 older adults (79% women) was included. 97% of the studies included older adults between 60–70 years, presenting an adherence to the interventions of 86%. The studies were mainly carried out in older adults with cardiometabolic diseases. Only 44% of the studies detailed information regarding the place of intervention; of these studies, 61% developed their interventions in university facilities. The interventions were mainly based on therapeutic physical exercise (89% of the articles), with a duration of 2–6 months (95% of the articles) and a frequency of 2–3 times a week (95% of the articles) with sessions of 30–60 min (94% of the articles) led by sports science professionals (51% of the articles). The components of physical fitness that were exercised the most were muscular strength (77% of the articles) and cardiorespiratory fitness (47% of the articles). Furthermore, only 48% of the studies included a warm-up stage and 34% of the studies included a cool-down stage. Conclusions: This systematic review characterized the physical exercise programs in older adults in Latin America, as well the most frequently used outcome measures and instruments, by summarizing available evidence derived from RCTs. The results will be useful for prescribing future physical exercise programs in older adults.
Analysis of Korean Fencing Club Members’ Participation Intention Using the TPB Model
Authors: Kim Young-Jae , Kim E-Sack
Published: March 2021

This study aims to investigate effects of three factors from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)—attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control—on 233 fencing club members’ intention to continue participation, while considering fencing’s low popularity as a sport in Korea. This study analyzed data from members of fencing clubs in Seoul, Gyeonggi, Daegu, and Busan, using frequency analysis, exploratory factor analysis, reliability analysis, correlational analysis, and multiple regression with SPSS Windows 25.0 software. Results indicate that selected TPB model factors—specifically attitude and subjective norms—positively affected intention to continue participating. Moreover, significant influences of attitude and subjective norms were found in both men and women. Attitude significantly influenced intention in participants in their twenties, thirties, and forties or over; subjective norms significantly influenced intention in participants in their twenties and forties or over; and perceived behavioral control significantly influenced intention in participants in their thirties. Lastly, attitude and subjective norms significantly influenced intention when subjects participated once a week or twice a week and at least three times a week, and perceived behavioral control significantly influenced intention only when they participated at least three times a week. This suggests that members perceived their participation in fencing favorably and that the people around them encouraged them to continue participation in fencing and viewed it as a positive activity. The findings may be useful for understanding how to further popularize fencing in Korea and encourage current club members to maintain or increase their participation levels.
The Characteristics and Motivations of Taiwanese People toward Advance Care Planning in Outpatient Clinics at a Community Hospital
Authors: Yen Chih-Chieh , Lin Cheng-Pei , Su Yu-Ting , Tsu Chiu-Hua , Chang Li-Mei , Sun Zih-Jie , Lin Bing-Sheng , Wu Jin-Shang
Published: March 2021

Advance care planning (ACP) provides access to complete advance decisions (ADs). Despite the legalization of ACP in Taiwan, it is underutilized in community settings. The objective of this study is to describe the service at a community hospital in Southern Taiwan. We retrospectively analyzed participants who were engaged in ACP consultations from January 2019 to January 2020. The characteristics, motivations, content, and satisfaction of participants are reported. Factors associated with refusing life-sustaining treatments (LST) or artificial nutrition/hydration (ANH) were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Of the 178 participants, 123 completed the ACP. The majority were female (64.2%), aged 61 on average and more than 80% had never signed a do-not-resuscitate order. In the ADs, most participants declined LST (97.2%) and ANH (96.6%). Family-related issues (48.9%) were the most prevalent motivations. Rural residence (OR 8.6, p = 0.005), increased age (OR 7.2, p = 0.025), and reluctance to consent to organ donation (OR 5.2, p = 0.042) correlated with refusing LST or ANH. Participants provided a positive feedback regarding overall satisfaction (good, 83%) compared to service charge (fair/poor, 53%). The study demonstrated high AD completion when refusing LST or ANH. These findings may facilitate the development of ACP as a community-based service.
A Pilot Study of Influence of Endurance Training on the Prooxidative and Antioxidant Status of Women after Breast Cancer
Authors: Domaszewska Katarzyna , Janiak Arkadiusz , Podgórski Tomasz , Demuth Anna , Kryściak Jakub , Perkowski Paweł , Czerniak Urszula
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of 8-week long endurance training on the prooxidative–antioxidative status of plasma in women treated for breast cancer. The participants of the study were 12 women after radical mastectomy aged 45 to 56 years (M = 50.6 ± 2.9 years), who had undergone full cancer treatment, on average more than 5 years after the treatment (M = 5.9 ± 0.9 years). Body mass components were measured twice using the method of bioelectric impedance analysis. In order to optimize training loads and to assess the level of exercise tolerance of the participants, the group was subject to an ergospirometric exercise test twice, before (1st) and after (2nd) the completion of the training cycle. The blood was also taken twice for biochemical analyses. Statistically significant differences were noted in the maximum exercise load, the level of which increased in the second test (p < 0.05). No change was observed in the level of antioxidative potential, i.e., the content of some variables, ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), urea, total phenolics, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), and in the blood indices of the body’s nutritional status during the project (total protein, albumin. Endurance training caused an increase in exercise tolerance and did not cause an aggravation of oxidative stress in women undergoing breast cancer treatment.
Promoting Occupational Health through Gamification and E-Coaching: A 5-Month User Engagement Study
Authors: Zhang Chao , van Gorp Pieter , Derksen Maxine , Nuijten Raoul , IJsselsteijn Wijnand A. , Zanutto Alberto , Melillo Fabio , Pratola Roberto
Published: March 2021

Social gamification systems have shown potential for promoting healthy lifestyles, but applying them to occupational settings faces unique design challenges. While occupational settings offer natural communities for social interaction, fairness issues due to heterogeneous personal goals and privacy concerns increase the difficulty of designing engaging games. We explored a two-level game-design, where the first level related to achieving personal goals and the second level was a privacy-protected social competition to maximize goal compliance among colleagues. The solution was strengthened by employing occupational physicians who personalized users’ goals and coached them remotely. The design was evaluated in a 5-month study with 53 employees from a Dutch university. Results suggested that the application helped half of the participants to improve their lifestyles, and most appreciated the role of the physician in goal-setting. However, long-term user engagement was undermined by the scalability-motivated design choice of one-way communication between employees and their physician. Implications for social gamification design in occupational health are discussed.
Effects of Classroom Active Desks on Children and Adolescents’ Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Academic Achievements and Overall Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Guirado Terry , Chambonnière Camille , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Metz Lore , Thivel David , Duclos Martine
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the effects of active desks in the school setting on sedentary behavior, physical activity, academic achievements and overall health among children and adolescents aged 5–17 years. A systematic literature search was conducted using five databases until October 2020. Twenty-three studies were included. Studies reported an increase of around 36% in energy expenditure for cycling desks and between 15% and 27.7% for upright active desks. Children increased inhibitory control and selective attention capacity while using cycling desks. A heterogeneous quality of design and of results were observed limiting comparisons and conclusions for each active desk. Despite the lack of strong methodology for the included studies, active desks appear to be a promising intervention in classrooms to improve health-related outcomes in children aged 5–17 years. Due to weak methodology, future studies with stronger study designs and methodology are needed to better inform policy and practice about the role of classroom active desks on health-related outcomes in children and adolescents.
Eco-Efficiency of the English and Welsh Water Companies: A Cross Performance Assessment
Authors: Sala-Garrido Ramon , Mocholi-Arce Manuel , Molinos-Senante Maria , Smyrnakis Michail , Maziotis Alexandros
Published: March 2021

Analyzing costs and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions could be of great importance for the water utilities to supply water services in a healthy and sustainable manner. In this study, we measured the eco-efficiency of several water utilities in England and Wales by incorporating GHG as an undesirable output. For the first time, we evaluated the eco-efficiency of the water production process using robust cross-efficiency data envelopment analysis (DEA) techniques. The further use of clustering and regression techniques allowed us to better understand the drivers of eco-efficiency. The results showed that the mean eco-efficiency of the water sector was 0.748, which indicates that costs and GHG emissions could be reduced by 25.2% to generate the same level of output. Large water companies with high energy costs and levels of GHG emissions belonged to the less eco-efficient group. Environmental factors related to density, topography, and treatment complexity further impacted eco-efficiency. Finally, we linked our results to the regulatory cycle and discuss some policy implications.
Impact of Covid-19 Lockdown on Availability of Drinking Water in the Arsenic-Affected Ganges River Basin
Authors: Duttagupta Srimanti , Bhanja Soumendra N. , Dutta Avishek , Sarkar Soumyajit , Chakraborty Madhumita , Ghosh Ashok , Mondal Debapriya , Mukherjee Abhijit
Published: March 2021

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic has not only resulted in immense loss of human life, but it also rampaged across the global economy and socio-cultural structure. Worldwide, countries imposed stringent mass quarantine and lockdowns to curb the transmission of the pathogen. While the efficacy of such lockdown is debatable, several reports suggest that the reduced human activities provided an inadvertent benefit by briefly improving air and water quality. India observed a 68-days long, nation-wide, stringent lockdown between 24 March and 31 May 2020. Here, we delineate the impact of the lockdown on groundwater and river sourced drinking water sustainability in the arsenic polluted Ganges river basin of India, which is regarded as one of the largest and most polluted river basins in the world. Using groundwater arsenic measurements from drinking water wells and water quality data from river monitoring stations, we have studied ~700 km stretches of the middle and lower reaches of the As (arsenic)-polluted parts of the river for pre-lockdown (January–March 2020), syn-lockdown (April–May), and post-lockdown periods (June–July). We provide the extent of As pollution-free groundwater vis-à-vis river water and examine alleviation from lockdown as an opportunity for sustainable drinking water sources. The overall decrease of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations and increase of pH suggests a general improvement in Ganges water quality during the lockdown in contrast to pre-and-post lockdown periods, potentially caused by reduced effluent. We also demonstrate that land use (agricultural/industrial) and land cover (urban-periurban/rural) in the vicinity of the river reaches seems to have a strong influence on river pollutants. The observations provide a cautious optimistic scenario for potentially developing sustainable drinking water sources in the arsenic-affected Ganges river basin in the future by using these observations as the basis of proper scientifically prudent, spatially adaptive strategies, and technological interventions.
Socioeconomic and Lifestyle Factors Related to Cost and Frequency of Hospitalization in European Older Adults
Authors: Pardo-Garcia Isabel , Amo-Saus Elisa , Moya-Martinez Pablo
Published: March 2021

Individuals’ lifestyles play an important role in healthcare costs. A large part of these costs is derived from hospitalizations. With the aim of determine the relationship between lifestyle and the likelihood of hospitalization and associate costs in older adults, this study used the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe. Generalized regression models for panel data were developed and adjusted hospitalization costs derived from the length of hospital stay were also estimated. The average adjusted cost of hospitalization was I$ 9901.50 and the analyses showed that performing weekly physical activity significantly reduces the probability of hospitalization (OR: 0.624) and its costs (I$ 2594.5 less per person per year than subjects who never performed physical activity). Muscle strength plays an important role in this relationship and eating habits are not of great significance. Furthermore, we found interesting differences in the frequency and costs of hospitalization between subjects by country.
Evaluating Environmentally Sustainable Development Based on the PSR Framework and Variable Weigh Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Wang Fan , Lu Yao , Li Jin , Ni Juan
Published: March 2021

Environmentally sustainable development is a multidimensional concept that emphasizes the integration of economy, society and environment within a region and the realization of dynamic balance. How to objectively environmentally sustainable development has been a major concern for scholars and policy makers. To address this problem effectively, we first obtain the indicators of environmentally sustainable development based on the pressure-state-response (PSR) framework. Then, we introduce variable weight factors in the traditional analytic hierarchy process (AHP), so that the weights assigned by experts to sustainable development indicators can change with time or space. In this way, we propose a new and improved weight distribution method called variable weigh analytic hierarchy process. Finally, we employ indicators of environmentally sustainable development based on PSR and variable weigh analytic hierarchy process to evaluate the sustainable development of cities in a case country. Our study found that: (1) indicators of environmentally sustainable development should consist of three parts: pressure indicators of environmentally sustainable development, state indicators of environmentally sustainable development, and response indicators of sustainable development; (2) with the variable weigh analytic hierarchy process, our ranking hierarchy process can handle dynamic changes among indicators better than the traditional AHP method and better reflect the true states of indicators.
Mediterranean Diet Adherence, Body Composition and Performance in Beach Handball Players: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez Alejandro , Martínez-Olcina María , Hernández-García María , Rubio-Arias Jacobo Á. , Sánchez-Sánchez Javier , Lara-Cobos Daniel , Vicente-Martínez Manuel , Carvalho Maria José , Sánchez-Sáez Juan Antonio
Published: March 2021

Background: Beach handball (BH) is a sport in which sporting performance is influenced, together with team interaction, by individual performance in terms of strength. Body composition is one of the main factors for sports performance and eating habits can condition this variable. The Mediterranean diet (MD) can significantly reduce the risk of mortality or cardiovascular disease. In addition, the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment carries out different campaigns to promote it among young athletes, establishing it as a suitable diet for sports. Objectives: The main aims of the study are to assess body composition, physical activity and adherence to the MD of beach handball players. It also aims to evaluate age group differences in male and female players, as well as studying the possible relationship between MD, body composition and performance variables. Methods: A total of 59 Spanish BH players were recruited in the national championship of BH in the province of Alicante. Thirty-eight male (14 junior; 17.0 ± 0.1 years and 24 seniors; 25.5 ± 4.7 years) and twenty-one female (7 junior; 16.1 ± 1.46 years and 14 seniors; 23.2 ± 2.0 years) BH players participated in this study. The questionnaire to evaluate eating habits was Mediterranean diet adherence (KIDMED). Body composition was measured with electrical bioimpedance. Strength was evaluated by means of a maximum isometric handgrip test of the dominant hand with handgrip and height of jump by counter-jump on contact platform. In the statistical analysis, descriptions and correlations between the study variables were made. Results: In females, when the adherence to the MD is lower, the weight is higher, the lean body mass is lower and worse results are observed in performance tests. As for males, there are differences in weight and lean body mass according to category. Conclusions: Adequate eating habits are related to the weight of beach handball athletes. In addition, specifically with junior players, it has been observed that adherence to the MD correlates with weight.