bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prompting Pedagogical Change through Promoting Active Lifestyles Paradoxes
Authors: Harris Jo , Cale Lorraine , Hooper Oliver
Published: October 2020

This study explored approaches to promoting active lifestyles (PAL) in schools which aimed to inform and develop physical education (PE) trainees and teachers’ health-related philosophies and pedagogies. Thirty-two secondary school PE trainees and teachers involved in a University-based Initial Teacher Education partnership in England participated in this study during the period 2015–2019. The participants were involved in professional development which included an introduction to research-informed PAL ‘paradoxes’ associated with promoting active lifestyles. Participants were asked to review their own health-related philosophies and practices in light of these paradoxes and were encouraged to use them to influence their own pedagogies as well as those of colleagues/peers. Participants found the PAL paradoxes interesting, surprising and perplexing; expressed a keen desire to address and solve them; and experienced the joys and challenges of influencing colleagues’/peers’ health-related philosophies and pedagogies. The findings suggest that this innovative low-cost, flexible and accessible approach to pedagogical change has the potential to engage PE teachers, increase their effectiveness as promoters of physical activity, and to greatly enhance the subject’s contribution to public health. This is significant, given calls for new pedagogical approaches and teachers’ previously reported lack of engagement in professional development in this area.
Analysis of Alpha Activity Levels and Dependence on Meteorological Factors over a Complex Terrain in Northern Iberian Peninsula (2014–2018)
Authors: Hernández-Ceballos Miguel Ángel , Legarda Fernando , Alegría Natalia
Published: October 2020

Alpha ambient concentrations in ground-level air were measured weekly in Bilbao (northern Spain) by collecting aerosols in filters between 2014 and 2018. Over this period, the alpha activity concentrations in the aerosol’s samples range from 13.9 µBq/m3 to 246.5 µBq/m3, with a mean of 66.49 ± 39.33 µBq/m3. The inter-annual and intra-annual (seasonal and monthly) variations are analyzed, with the highest activity in autumn months and the lowest one in winter months. Special attention has been paid to alpha peak concentrations (weekly concentrations above the 90th percentile) and its relationship with regional meteorological scenarios by means of air mass trajectories and local meteorological parameters. The meteorological analysis of these high alpha concentrations has revealed two airflow patterns-one from the south with land origin and one from the north with maritime origin-mainly associated with these alpha peak concentrations. Surface winds during representative periods of both airflow patterns are also analyzed in combination with 222Rn concentrations, which demonstrated the different daily evolution associated with each airflow pattern. The present results are relevant in understanding trends and meteorological factors affecting alpha activity concentrations in this area, and hence, to control potential atmospheric environmental releases and ensure the environmental and public health.
Positive Association of Physical Activity with Both Objective and Perceived Measures of the Neighborhood Environment among Older Adults: The Aichi Workers’ Cohort Study
Authors: Li Yuanying , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Hanibuchi Tomoya , Ota Atsuhiko , Naito Hisao , Otsuka Rei , Murata Chiyoe , Hirakawa Yoshihisa , Chiang Chifa , Uemura Mayu , Tamakoshi Koji , Aoyama Atsuko
Published: October 2020

We examined the association between objective and perceived neighborhood characteristics and self-reported leisure-time physical activity (PA) in older Japanese residents living in areas ranging from metropolitan to rural in 2016. Objective measures used were walkability and the numbers of parks/green spaces and sports facilities within 500 or 1000 m of subjects’ homes, calculated using geographic information systems. Subjective measures were the subjects’ perceptions of their neighborhoods, assessed using a structured questionnaire. All variables were divided into three groups, and the lowest tertile was used as the reference. We assessed the location and frequency of strolling or brisk walking, moderate-intensity PA, and vigorous-intensity PA (sports) using a self-reported questionnaire and defined as performing a certain type of PA 3–4 times/week as a habit. Living in a neighborhood in the highest tertile for walkability and number of parks/green spaces as well as perception of having good access to recreational facilities, observing others exercising and the presence of walkable sidewalks was associated with walking and sports habits (multivariable odds ratios (ORs): 1.33–2.46, all p < 0.05). Interestingly, objective measures of PA-friendly environmental features were inversely associated with moderate-intensity PA habits, potentially because moderate-intensity PA consisted predominantly of gardening. In conclusion, living in an environment supportive of PA, whether objectively or subjectively measured, is related to leisure-time PA habits among older Japanese adults.
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Taiwan: An Online Survey on Worry and Anxiety and Associated Factors
Authors: Lu Wei-Hsin , Ko Nai-Ying , Chang Yu-Ping , Yen Cheng-Fang , Wang Peng-Wei
Published: October 2020

This study explored the associations of individual factors (demographic characteristics, self-confidence in responding to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and self-rated physical and mental health) and environmental factors (perceived confidence in COVID-19 management by the regional government and adequacy of resources and support available to address the COVID-19 pandemic) with worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety among people in Taiwan. The Chi-square was used to compare difference for worry and anxiety among categorical variables. The logistic regression was used to examine the associations between worry as well as anxiety and individual as well as environmental factors. In total, 1970 respondents were recruited and completed an online survey on worry regarding COVID-19, general anxiety during the pandemic, and individual and environmental factors. In total, 51.7% and 43.4% of respondents reported high levels of worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety, respectively. Exhibited worse self-rated mental health, lower self-confidence in COVID-19 management, and insufficient mental health resources were significantly associated with high levels of both worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety. Lower perceived confidence in COVID-19 management by the regional government was associated with a higher level of worry toward COVID-19. Lower perceived social support was associated with a higher level of general anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results showed that high levels of worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety were prevalent during the outbreak. This suggests health care providers need additional surveillance of worry and anxiety during the pandemic. Multiple individual and environmental factors related to worry toward COVID-19 and general anxiety were identified. Factors found in the present study can be used for the development of intervention programs, supportive services, and government policy to reduce worry and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic
Supervisors’ Active-Empathetic Listening as an Important Antecedent of Work Engagement
Authors: Jonsdottir Inga Jona , Kristinsson Kari
Published: October 2020

Social support from supervisors is a job resource that has been found to be an important antecedent to work engagement. However, there is a knowledge gap in understanding one of the key features of social support—i.e., supervisors’ active-empathetic listening—and its relation to employees’ work engagement. To bridge this gap, this study explores how supervisors’ active-empathetic listening is associated with employees’ work engagement. Using a national representative sample (N = 548), the results show that supervisors’ active-empathetic listening has a significant positive relationship with employee work engagement. Additionally, we show that active-empathetic listening does not affect all three dimensions of work engagement equally, with dedication being the most affected by supervisors’ active-empathetic listening. We argue that supportive leadership which uses conscious and active listening-centred communication is highly significant for employees’ work engagement. Therefore, we suggest that organisations experiment in training their supervisors in active-empathetic listening as part of a broader strategy to increase employees’ engagement at work.
Blood Pressure Changes While Hiking at Moderate Altitudes: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Stoltzfus Ky B. , Naylor David , Cattermole Tessa , Ankeney Arthur , Mount Rebecca , Chang Rong , Gibson Cheryl A.
Published: October 2020

Recreational hiking in the mountains is a common activity, whether for a single day or for several days in a row. We sought to measure blood pressure (BP) response during a 10-day trek at moderate-altitude elevation (6500–13,000 feet) and observe for uncontrolled hypertension and/or adverse cardiovascular outcomes. A total of 1279 adult participants completed an observational study of resting BP during a 10-day trek in the Sangre de Cristo mountains. Following initial recruitment, participants were issued a trail data card to record BP measurements at day 0 (basecamp), day 3, day 6 and day 9. BP was measured using a sphygmomanometer and auscultation. Demographic data, height, weight, home altitude, daily water and sports drink intake, existence of pre-arrival hypertension and BP medication class were also recorded. We observed a rise in mean blood pressure for the cohort during all exposures to moderate altitudes. The increases were greatest for individuals with pre-existing hypertension and/or obesity. There were no observed life-threatening cardiovascular events for participants. We conclude that for individuals with a modestly controlled blood pressure of 160/95 mmHg, hiking at a moderate altitude is a safe activity.
A Comparative Study on the Performance Profile of Under-17 and Under-19 Handball Players Trained in the Sports School System
Authors: Gabrys Tomasz , Stanula Arkadiusz , Gupta Subir , Szmatlan-Gabrys Urszula , Benešová Daniela , Wicha Łukasz , Baron Jakub
Published: October 2020

This study evaluates the anatomical profiles, jump, sprint, power outputs, endurance, and peak blood lactate levels ([LA]peak) of handball players of two age groups—U17 (n = 77) and U19 (n = 46)—and analyses the role of training in their physical abilities. Vertical jump performance was determined by counter movement jump (CMJ) and counter movement jump with free arms (CMJFA) tests. A running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) determined the relative power output (watts/kg body weight) and absolute power output (watts) of the players. Sprint performance over 5 m, 10 m, and 30 m distances was evaluated. An incremental shuttle run test (40 m) was designed to determine aerobic threshold (AeT), anaerobic threshold (AnT), and [LA]peak. All parameters were measured for pivots, wingers, backs, and goalkeepers of each group. The U19 players were significantly heavier than the U17 group, but both the groups were nearly equal in height. The U19 group jumped higher than the U17 members, although the only significant difference (p = 0.032) was observed between the wingers of the groups in CMJ. Sprint performance varied marginally between the groups and only U19 pivots were found to be significantly (for distances of 5, 10, and 30 m: p = 0.047, p = 0.018, and p = 0.021, respectively) faster than U17 pivots. No difference in relative power output between the groups was noted, although the U19 players recorded higher absolute power outputs. Maximal velocity and velocities at the AeT and AnT were almost similar in the groups. Distance covered by the groups at the intensities of AeT and AnT varied only little. Higher [LA]peak was observed in the U19 players. U19 players failed to convert their superior power into speed and jump. The training pattern of the handball players needs to be revised so that U19 players may develop faster and be more enduring than the U17 group.
The Profile of Bicycle Users, Their Perceived Difficulty to Cycle, and the Most Frequent Trip Origins and Destinations in Aracaju, Brazil
Authors: Thuany Mabliny , N. Melo João Carlos , B. Tavares João Pedro , M. J. Santos Filipe , C. M. Silva Ellen , O. Werneck André , Dantas Sayuri , Ferrari Gerson , Sá Thiago H. , R. Silva Danilo
Published: October 2020

The objective of this study was to describe the profile of bicycle users, their perceived difficulty to cycle, and the most frequent trip origins and destinations in Aracaju, Northeast Brazil. Our cross-sectional study sampled 1001 participants and we collected information through structured interviews. Aged ≥15 years, participants were residents of all Aracaju’s neighborhoods and used a bicycle for commuting to work or for leisure. We observed that bicycle users in Aracaju are predominantly employed male subjects, aged between 18 and 40 years, and were the heads of their households. Most of the them reported “work” as the main reason for their bicycle trips and, “health” and “practicality” aspects as their main motivations for using bicycles. In general, the neighborhoods in the north and center of the city were identified as the most difficult for cycling, and the easiest trips occurred in places with cycle paths. As a conclusion of this study, we reaffirm the need for intersectoral actions that create favorable environments for active commuting and more sustainable cities.
Profile of Mothers of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Population-Based Study in Canada
Authors: Popova Svetlana , Lange Shannon , Temple Valerie , Poznyak Vladimir , Chudley Albert E. , Burd Larry , Murray Margaret , Rehm Jürgen
Published: October 2020

Objective: To compare the characteristics of mothers of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) with mothers of typically developing control children. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional, observational design, using active case ascertainment. Biological mothers were interviewed using a standardized retrospective questionnaire to collect data on demographics, living environment, pregnancy history, nutrition, alcohol and other drug use prior to and following pregnancy recognition. Results: A total of 173 mothers were interviewed. Of these, 19 had a child who was diagnosed with FASD, five had a child who had received a deferred FASD diagnosis, and 37 had children who were selected into the control group as typically developing children. The remaining 112 mothers had children who did not meet diagnostic criteria for FASD. The mothers of children with FASD did not differ significantly from mothers of the control group children with respect to age, ethnicity, marital status, and employment status at the time of pregnancy. However, mothers of children with FASD had lower levels of education (p < 0.01) and were more likely to have received financial support (p < 0.05) at the time of pregnancy, to have smoked tobacco (p < 0.001), and to have used marijuana or hashish (p < 0.01) prior to pregnancy recognition, compared with mothers of control children. All mothers of children with FASD reported alcohol consumption prior to pregnancy recognition; however, only 10.5% reported alcohol consumption following pregnancy recognition. None of the mothers interviewed reported any drug use following pregnancy recognition. Conclusions: Population-based preventive interventions, including repeated screening, monitoring, and education regarding the effects of alcohol use, as well as other substances, before and during pregnancy, are needed to eliminate risk for FASD and other negative consequences on child and maternal health.
Development and Validation of a Well-Being Measure on Young Basketball Players: The NFAPW Scale
Authors: Calvo Jorge Lorenzo , García-González Jorge , Flo García Monica , Mon-López Daniel
Published: October 2020

Basketball is a sport in which, beyond the physical and technical skills, the psychological aspects are a decisive factor and could negatively affect the well-being of the player. The present study analyzes how 11 items belonging to two stakeholders (coach and player) could negatively affect the well-being of the athlete. A sample of elite young basketball players (n = 121) consisting of 55 males and 66 females, ranging in age from 16 to 23 (M = 20.12 ± 1.71), completed the Negative Factors Affecting Players’ Well-being (NFAPW) Questionnaire. This questionnaire was designed ad hoc and demonstrated good psychometric properties that confirmed that it is a valid and reliable instrument to measure how those factors negatively affect their well-being. The results showed that females have a greater perception of the factors that negatively affect their well-being, especially those related to the actions of the coach. However, no differences were found regarding the experience. Although this research provides an initial tool for measuring the well-being of the player during competition, future studies are encouraged to provide guidance to the coaches and players in dealing with the psychological variables in a better way.
Descriptive Kinematic Analysis of the Potentially Tragic Accident at the 2020 Austrian MotoGP Grand Prix Using Low-Cost Instruments: A Brief Report
Authors: Gervasi Marco , Gobbi Erica , Natalucci Valentina , Amatori Stefano , Perroni Fabrizio
Published: October 2020

Background: During the first Austrian MotoGP Grand Prix of 2020, following a serious accident involving the riders J. Zarco and F. Morbidelli, Morbidelli’s riderless bike cartwheeled across turn 3, narrowly missing V. Rossi and M. Viñales by just a few centimeters. As is the case with ordinary traffic accidents, analyzing the dynamics of motorcycle racing accidents can help improve safety; however, to date, the literature lacks studies that analyze the causes and severity of such accidents. Hence, the purpose of this study was to analyze the main causes that led to the accident at the 2020 Austrian MotoGp Grand Prix, to quantify the speeds and distances of the bikes and riders involved, and to hypothesize several alternative scenarios using a low-cost method. Method: Kinovea and Google Earth Pro software were used to identify markers along the racetrack and to measure the distances and calculate the time it took the motorcycles to cover those distances. The analyses were carried out on three 30-fps (frames per second) videos. Results: Zarco’s average speed as he was overtaking Morbidelli on the straightaway before turn 2 was 302 ± 1.8 km/h, higher than that of Rins and Rossi (299.7 ± 1.7 and 296 ± 1.7 km/h, respectively). The speed of Zarco and Rossi’s bikes 44.5 m before the crash was the same (267 ± 7.9 km/h). Immediately after overtaking Morbidelli, Zarco moved 2.92 m towards the center of the racetrack from point A to B, crossing Morbidelli’s trajectory and triggering the accident. Morbidelli’s riderless bike flew across turn 3 at a speed of about 76 km/h, missing V. Rossi by just 20 cm. The consequences could have been catastrophic if Rossi had not braked just 0.42 s before encountering Morbidelli’s bike in turn 3. Conclusion: Through a low-cost quali-quantitative analysis, the present study helps us to gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the accident and its main causes. Furthermore, in light of our findings regarding the dynamics and severity of the accident and the particular layout of the Red Bull Ring circuit, racers should be aware that overtaking at the end of turn 2, following the same trajectory as the riders involved in the crash, could be very risky.
Rubella Immunity among Italian Female Healthcare Workers: A Serological Study
Authors: Coppeta Luca , Ferrari Cristiana , Iannuzzi Ilaria , D’Alessandro Iacopo , Balbi Ottavia , Pietroiusti Antonio , Trabucco Aurilio Marco
Published: October 2020

Rubella, also known as German measles or three-day measles, is an infectious disease caused by virus of the genus Rubivirus, which may be prevented by vaccination. The infection is potentially dangerous for non immune subjects, although 20–50% of infected subjects are asymptomatic. Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an increased potential exposure to rubella in comparison to the general population, putting them and their patients at risk of infection and its complications. In 2019, 20 cases of rubella have been reported in Italy. According to the Italian National Immunization and Prevention Plan, HCWs should provide a written certification of vaccination for rubella or serological evidence of protective antibodies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the rubella immunization status in female HCWs of the teaching hospital Policlinic Rome Tor Vergata (PTV) of childbearing age. For this purpose, we retrospectively checked the serologic values of rubella-specific IgG antibodies analyzing the clinical records of the HCWs of undergoing the occupational health surveillance program from January 1st to June1st 2020. Five hundred fourteen HCWs with a mean age of 23.19 (range 19–37, DS: 2.80) were included: 90.3% (464) showed a protective antibody titre. The mean value of the anti-rubella IgG was 49.59 IU/mL. Our study shows a non-protective anti rubella IgG titre in a substantial percentage of HCWs (9.7%). As vaccine protection decreases over the years and the risk of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) in vaccinated subjects should not be underestimated, we suggest routine screening of the immunological status followed by the administration of a third dose of vaccine if the antibody titre becomes non-protective.
Occupational Performance Coaching with Parents to Promote Community Participation and Quality of Life of Young Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Feasibility Evaluation in Hong Kong
Authors: Chien Chi-Wen , Lai Yuen Yi Cynthia , Lin Chung-Ying , Graham Fiona
Published: October 2020

Participation in community activities contributes to child development and health-related quality of life (HRQOL), but restricted participation has been reported in children with disabilities. Occupational performance coaching (OPC) is an intervention that targets participatory goals in child performance through coaching parents, with evidence of effectiveness for pediatric populations. Little is known about the feasibility of OPC in Hong Kong, or its effect on children’s community participation and HRQOL. A mixed-methods case study design was applied to explore Hong Kong parents’ experience of OPC in relation to goal achievement, community participation, and HRQOL change in children. Four parents of young children with developmental disabilities (aged five to six years) received OPC for three to eight sessions within one to three months. Quantitative pre- and post-intervention data were analyzed descriptively. Semi-structured interviews with parents were conducted at post-intervention, and analyzed using content analysis. Results showed a trend of improvement in goal performance, child involvement in community activities, and specific aspects of HRQOL among most participants. Parents perceived undertaking OPC positively, described gaining insights and skills, and felt supported. The findings suggest that OPC warrants further investigation for use in Hong Kong, to promote children’s community participation and quality of life.
Using the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) as a Mid-Treatment Marker for Survival among Patients with Stage-III Locally Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Biswas Tithi , Kang Kylie H. , Gawdi Rohin , Bajor David , Machtay Mitchell , Jindal Charu , Efird Jimmy T.
Published: October 2020

The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) is an important marker of immune function, defined as the product of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet count (P). Higher baseline SII levels have been associated with improved survival in various types of cancers, including lung cancer. Data were obtained from PROCLAIM, a randomized phase III trial comparing two different chemotherapy regimens pemetrexed + cisplatin (PEM) vs. etoposide + cisplatin (ETO), in combination with radiotherapy (RT) for the treatment of stage III non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to determine if SII measured at the mid-treatment window for RT (weeks 3–4) is a significant predictor of survival, and if the effect of PEM vs. ETO differs by quartile (Q) level of SII. Hazard-ratios (HR) for survival were estimated using a proportional hazards model, accounting for the underlying correlated structure of the data. A total of 548 patients were included in our analysis. The median age at baseline was 59 years. Patients were followed for a median of 24 months. Adjusting for age, body mass index, sex, race, and chemotherapy regimen, SII was a significant mid-treatment predictor of both overall (adjusted HR (aHR) = 1.6, p < 0.0001; OS) and progression-free (aHR = 1.3, p = 0.0072; PFS) survival. Among patients with mid-RT SII values above the median (6.8), those receiving PEM (vs. ETO) had superior OS (p = 0.0002) and PFS (p = 0.0002). Our secondary analysis suggests that SII is an informative mid-treatment marker of OS and PFS in locally advanced non-squamous NSCLC.
Effect of Emotional Intelligence and Psychosocial Risks on Burnout, Job Satisfaction, and Nurses’ Health during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Soto-Rubio Ana , Giménez-Espert María del Carmen , Prado-Gascó Vicente
Published: October 2020

Nurses are exposed to psychosocial risks that can affect both psychological and physical health through stress. Prolonged stress at work can lead to burnout syndrome. An essential protective factor against psychosocial risks is emotional intelligence, which has been related to physical and psychological health, job satisfaction, increased job commitment, and burnout reduction. The present study aimed to analyze the effect of psychosocial risks and emotional intelligence on nurses’ health, well-being, burnout level, and job satisfaction during the rise and main peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. It is a cross-sectional study conducted on a convenience sample of 125 Spanish nurses. Multiple hierarchical linear regression models were calculated considering emotional intelligence levels, psychosocial demand factors (interpersonal conflict, lack of organizational justice, role conflict, and workload), social support and emotional work on burnout, job satisfaction, and nurses’ health. Finally, the moderating effect of emotional intelligence levels, psychosocial factors, social support, and emotional work on burnout, job satisfaction, and nurses’ health was calculated. Overall, this research data points to a protective effect of emotional intelligence against the adverse effects of psychosocial risks such as burnout, psychosomatic complaints, and a favorable effect on job satisfaction.
Search for the Profile of the Victim of Adolescent Dating Violence: An Intersection of Cognitive, Emotional, and Behavioral Variables
Authors: Cuadrado-Gordillo Isabel , Fernández-Antelo Inmaculada , Martín-Mora Parra Guadalupe
Published: October 2020

The knowledge of the promoting variables of dating violence has been a topic much studied in the last decade. However, the definition of the profile of this type of victim still presents numerous unknowns that hinder the effectiveness of prevention programs against violence. This study analyzes the interaction of cognitive, emotional and behavioral variables that converge in the victim profile. The sample comprised 2577 adolescents (55.2% girls) of 14 to 18 years in age (M = 15.9, SD = 1.2). The instruments used were the dating violence questionnaire (CUVINO), the scale of detection of sexism in adolescents (DSA), Mechanisms of Moral Disengagement Scale and Child and Adolescent Disposition Scale (CADS). To study the relationship between the different variables considered in this article, a SEM analysis was used. The results show that victims of gender violence and emotional abuse have high scores in benevolent sexism, moral disengagement and emotionally negative behavioral patterns. Likewise, the existence of an interdependent relationship between these three sets of variables was found.
Emerging Natural Focal Infectious Diseases in Russia: A Medical–Geographical Study
Authors: Malkhazova Svetlana , Pestina Polina , Prasolova Anna , Orlov Dmitry
Published: October 2020

In Russia, as in other countries, the problem of emerging natural focal infectious diseases (EIDs) became more acute toward the end of the 20th century. However, the situation in Russia is unknown to foreign readers, while the prevention and control of these diseases require international collaboration. The aim of the study is to provide a medical–geographical assessment of the distribution of the main natural focal EIDs in Russia, as well as to present the approaches used in the country to create aggregate maps of risk assessment. To consider its current status, we determined the most important natural focal EIDs for Russia (tick-borne encephalitis, ixodid tick-borne borrelioses, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, Crimean–Congo hemorrhagic fever, West Nile fever, Astrakhan spotted fever, leptospiroses, and tularemia) and analyzed the patterns of their epidemic manifestation. As a result, a working classification of such infections and a series of maps showing the current situation of EID morbidity in Russia were created. To design an aggregated risk map, we developed an original mapping methodology and recalculated the model disease incidence by taking data from administrative units and adjusting them for natural geographical boundaries (biomes) for European Russia, and then evaluated the risk of infection for separate model diseases and for a set of them. The highest risk rates are confined to the northwest regions of European Russia, the Cis-Urals and the Volga region, which are naturally related to forest biomes, as well as to the southern steppe regions of the interfluves between the Volga and the Don, and the foothills of the North Caucasus.
Disease Outbreak, Health Scare, and Distance Decay: Evidence from HPAI Shocks in Chinese Meat Sector
Authors: Yi Lan , Duan Congcong , Tao Jianping , Huang Yong , Xing Meihua , Zhu Zhongkun , Tan Caifeng , Chen Xinglin
Published: October 2020

Background: During zoonotic disease shocks (ZDSs), zoonotic disease outbreaks (ZDOs) can induce public health scares (PHSs), causing meat price risks (MPRs). Nevertheless, spatial spillovers of zoonotic disease shocks in meat markets remain unclear. We explore how zoonotic disease outbreaks and public health scares locally and spatially spill over to meat price risks, and whether spatial spillovers of public health scares decay with distance. Methods: (i) We construct a long panel covering 30 provinces and 121 months, using highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) epidemics as exogenous shocks in Chinese meat sector. (ii) We decompose zoonotic disease shocks into zoonotic disease outbreaks (objective incident) and public health scares (subjective information) and examine their spillovers to meat price risks. (iii) We identify distance-decaying spatial spillovers of public health scares, by running our dynamic SAR models 147 times, from 80 km to 3000 km with 20 km as incremental value, in a setting with risk-level heterogeneity. Results: (i) Zoonotic disease outbreaks themselves only cause local and neighboring meat price risks for high-risk meat, not for low-risk or substitute meat. (ii) Public health scares exacerbate local and neighboring meat price risks for high-risk and low-risk meat, and local meat price risks for substitute meat. (iii) Spatial spillovers of public health scares are distance-decaying and U-shaped, with four spatial attenuation boundaries, and distance turning point is shorter for high-risk meat (500 km) than for low-risk meat (800 km). Conclusions: We complement the literature by arguing that health scares induced by disease outbreaks negatively spill over to meat prices, with U-shaped distance-decaying spatial effects. This suggests low interregional spatial market integration in meat products, due to distance decay of nonstandardized information and local government control effects, across provincial boundaries. To the best of our knowledge, we are the first to document nonmonotonic distance decay of health scare effects on food prices, previously not found by the literature.
Large Common Plansets-4-Points Congruent Sets for Point Cloud Registration
Authors: Fotsing Cedrique , Nziengam Nafissetou , Bobda Christophe
Published: October 2020

Point cloud registration combines multiple point cloud data sets collected from different positions using the same or different devices to form a single point cloud within a single coordinate system. Point cloud registration is usually achieved through spatial transformations that align and merge multiple point clouds into a single globally consistent model. In this paper, we present a new segmentation-based approach for point cloud registration. Our method consists of extracting plane structures from point clouds and then, using the 4-Point Congruent Sets (4PCS) technique, we estimate transformations that align the plane structures. Instead of a global alignment using all the points in the dataset, our method aligns 2-point clouds using their local plane structures. This considerably reduces the data size, computational workload, and execution time. Unlike conventional methods that seek to align the largest number of common points between entities, the new method aims to align the largest number of planes. Using partial point clouds of multiple real-world scenes, we demonstrate the superiority of our method compared to raw 4PCS in terms of quality of result (QoS) and execution time. Our method requires about half the execution time of 4PCS in all the tested datasets and produces better alignment of the point clouds.
An Unsupervised Crop Classification Method Based on Principal Components Isometric Binning
Authors: Ma Zhe , Liu Zhe , Zhao Yuanyuan , Zhang Lin , Liu Diyou , Ren Tianwei , Zhang Xiaodong , Li Shaoming
Published: October 2020

The accurate and timely access to the spatial distribution information of crops is of great importance for agricultural production management. Although widely used, supervised classification mapping requires a large number of field samples, and is consequently costly in terms of time and money. In order to reduce the need for sample size, this paper proposes an unsupervised classification method based on principal components isometric binning (PCIB). In particular, principal component analysis (PCA) dimensionality reduction is applied to the classification features, followed by the division of the top k principal components into equidistant bins. Bins of the same category are subsequently merged as a class label. Multitemporal Gaofen 1 satellite (GF-1) remote sensing images were collected over the southwest of Hulin City and Luobei County of Hegang City, Heilongjiang Province, China in order to map crop types in 2016 and 2017. Our proposed method was compared with commonly used classifiers (random forest, K-means and Iterative Self-Organizing Data Analysis Techniques Algorithm (ISODATA)). Results demonstrate PCIB and random forest to have the highest classification accuracies, reaching 82% in 2016 in the southwest of Hulin City. In Luobei County in 2016, the accuracies of PCIB and random forest were determined as 81% and 82%, respectively. It can be concluded that the overall accuracy of our proposed method meets the basic requirements of classification accuracy. Despite exhibiting a lower accuracy than that of random forest, PCIB does not require a large field sample size, thus making it more suitable for large-scale crop mapping.
Personalized Legibility of an Indoor Environment for People with Motor Disabilities: A New Framework
Authors: Afghantoloee Ali , Mostafavi Mir , Edwards Geoffrey , Gharebaghi Amin
Published: October 2020

A mental map refers to the personalized representation of spatial knowledge in the human brain and is based on the perceptions, experiences, and interactions of people with their environment. For people with motor disabilities (PWMD) some perceptions and interactions with the environment during their mobility occur in different ways and consequently lead to different mental maps. For example, these people perceive and interact differently with elevators, escalators, and steps during their mobility. Hence, their perceptions of the level of complexity and the legibility of an environment may be different. Legibility of an environment is an indicator that measures the level of complexity and the ease of understanding of that environment by a person. In the literature, legibility is mostly estimated based on the environmental factors such as visibility, connectivity, and layout complexity for a given space. However, the role of personal factors (e.g., capacities) is rarely considered in the legibility assessment, which complicates its personalization. This paper aims at studying the influence of personal factors on the evaluation of the legibility of indoor environments for PWMD. In addition to the visibility, the connectivity, and the complexity of indoor environments, we also integrate the influence of the level of accessibility (i.e., presence of facilitators and obstacles) in the legibility assessment process. The Quebec City Convention Centre is selected as our study area and the legibility of this building is quantified. We show how the integration of the above-mentioned factors can influence the legibility for PWMD and hence their mobility performance in those environments.
ELiT, Multifunctional Web-Software for Feature Extraction from 3D LiDAR Point Clouds
Authors: Kostrikov Sergiy , Pudlo Rostyslav , Bubnov Dmytro , Vasiliev Vladimir
Published: October 2020

Our research presents a complete R&D cycle—from the urban terrain generation and feature extraction by raw LiDAR data processing, through visualizing a huge number of urban features, and till applied thematic use cases based on these features extracted and modeled. Firstly, the paper focuses on the original contribution to algorithmic solutions concerning the fully automated extraction of building models with the urban terrain generation. Topography modeling and extraction of buildings, as two key constituents of the robust algorithmic pipeline, have been examined. The architectural scheme of the multifunctional software family—EOS LIDAR Tool (ELiT) has been presented with characteristics of its key functionalities and examples of a user interface. Both desktop, and web server software, as well as a cloud-based application, ELiT Geoportal (EGP), as an entity for online geospatial services, have been elaborated on the base of the approach presented. Further emphasis on the web-visualization with Cesium 3D Tiles has demonstrated the original algorithm for efficient feature visualizing though the EGP locations. Summarizing presentation of two thematic use-cases has finalized this research, demonstrating those applied tasks, which can be efficiently resolved with the workflow presented. A necessity of a conclusive workflow elaboration for use cases, which would be based on the actual semantics, has been emphasized.
Exploring Travel Patterns during the Holiday Season—A Case Study of Shenzhen Metro System During the Chinese Spring Festival
Authors: Liu Jianxiao , Shi Wenzhong , Chen Pengfei
Published: October 2020

Research has shown that the growing holiday travel demand in modern society has a significant influence on daily travel patterns. However, few studies have focused on the distinctness of travel patterns during a holiday season and as a specified case, travel behavior studies of the Chinese Spring Festival (CSF) at the city level are even rarer. This paper adopts a text-mining model (latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA)) to explore the travel patterns and travel purposes during the CSF season in Shenzhen based on the metro smart card data (MSC) and the points of interest (POIs) data. The study aims to answer two questions—(1) how to use MSC and POIs inferring travel purpose at the metro station level without the socioeconomic backgrounds of the cardholders? (2) What are the overall inner-city mobility patterns and travel activities during the Spring Festival holiday-week? The results show that six features of the CSF travel behavior are found and nine (three broad categories) travel patterns and trip activities are inferred. The activities in which travelers engaged during the CSF season are mainly consumption-oriented events, visiting relatives and friends and traffic-oriented events. This study is beneficial to metro corporations (timetable management), business owners (promotion strategy), researchers (travelers’ social attribute inference) and decision-makers (examine public service).
Traffic Control Recognition with Speed-Profiles: A Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Cheng Hao , Zourlidou Stefania , Sester Monika
Published: October 2020

Accurate information of traffic regulators at junctions is important for navigating and driving in cities. However, such information is often missing, incomplete or not up-to-date in digital maps due to the high cost, e.g., time and money, for data acquisition and updating. In this study we propose a crowdsourced method that harnesses the light-weight GPS tracks from commuting vehicles as Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) for traffic regulator detection. We explore the novel idea of detecting traffic regulators by learning the movement patterns of vehicles at regulated locations. Vehicles’ movement behavior was encoded in the form of speed-profiles, where both speed values and their sequential order during movement development were used as features in a three-class classification problem for the most common traffic regulators: traffic-lights, priority-signs and uncontrolled junctions. The method provides an average weighting function and a majority voting scheme to tolerate the errors in the VGI data. The sequence-to-sequence framework requires no extra overhead for data processing, which makes the method applicable for real-world traffic regulator detection tasks. The results showed that the deep-learning classifier Conditional Variational Autoencoder can predict regulators with 90% accuracy, outperforming a random forest classifier (88% accuracy) that uses the summarized statistics of movement as features. In our future work images and augmentation techniques can be leveraged to generalize the method’s ability for classifying a greater variety of traffic regulator classes.
A CUDA-Based Parallel Geographically Weighted Regression for Large-Scale Geographic Data
Authors: Wang Dongchao , Yang Yi , Qiu Agen , Kang Xiaochen , Han Jiakuan , Chai Zhengyuan
Published: October 2020

Geographically weighted regression (GWR) introduces the distance weighted kernel function to examine the non-stationarity of geographical phenomena and improve the performance of global regression. However, GWR calibration becomes critical when using a serial computing mode to process large volumes of data. To address this problem, an improved approach based on the compute unified device architecture (CUDA) parallel architecture fast-parallel-GWR (FPGWR) is proposed in this paper to efficiently handle the computational demands of performing GWR over millions of data points. FPGWR is capable of decomposing the serial process into parallel atomic modules and optimizing the memory usage. To verify the computing capability of FPGWR, we designed simulation datasets and performed corresponding testing experiments. We also compared the performance of FPGWR and other GWR software packages using open datasets. The results show that the runtime of FPGWR is negatively correlated with the CUDA core number, and the calculation efficiency of FPGWR achieves a rate of thousands or even tens of thousands times faster than the traditional GWR algorithms. FPGWR provides an effective tool for exploring spatial heterogeneity for large-scale geographic data (geodata).
Urban Population Distribution Mapping with Multisource Geospatial Data Based on Zonal Strategy
Authors: Zhao Guanwei , Yang Muzhuang
Published: October 2020

Mapping population distribution at fine resolutions with high accuracy is crucial to urban planning and management. This paper takes Guangzhou city as the study area, illustrates the gridded population distribution map by using machine learning methods based on zoning strategy with multisource geospatial data such as night light remote sensing data, point of interest data, land use data, and so on. The street-level accuracy evaluation results show that the proposed approach achieved good overall accuracy, with determinant coefficient (R2) being 0.713 and root mean square error (RMSE) being 5512.9. Meanwhile, the goodness of fit for single linear regression (LR) model and random forest (RF) regression model are 0.0039 and 0.605, respectively. For dense area, the accuracy of the random forest model is better than the linear regression model, while for sparse area, the accuracy of the linear regression model is better than the random forest model. The results indicated that the proposed method has great potential in fine-scale population mapping. Therefore, it is advised that the zonal modeling strategy should be the primary choice for solving regional differences in the population distribution mapping research.
Molecular Docking and QSAR Studies as Computational Tools Exploring the Rescue Ability of F508del CFTR Correctors
Authors: Righetti Giada , Casale Monica , Liessi Nara , Tasso Bruno , Salis Annalisa , Tonelli Michele , Millo Enrico , Pedemonte Nicoletta , Fossa Paola , Cichero Elena
Published: October 2020

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is the autosomal recessive disorder most recurrent in Caucasian populations. Different mutations involving the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator protein (CFTR) gene, which encodes the CFTR channel, are involved in CF. A number of life-prolonging therapies have been conceived and deeply investigated to combat this disease. Among them, the administration of the so-called CFTR modulators, such as correctors and potentiators, have led to quite beneficial effects. Recently, based on QSAR (quantitative structure activity relationship) studies, we reported the rational design and synthesis of compound 2, an aminoarylthiazole-VX-809 hybrid derivative exhibiting promising F508del-CFTR corrector ability. Herein, we explored the docking mode of the prototype VX-809 as well as of the aforementioned correctors in order to derive useful guidelines for the rational design of further analogues. In addition, we refined our previous QSAR analysis taking into account our first series of in-house hybrids. This allowed us to optimize the QSAR model based on the chemical structure and the potency profile of hybrids as F508del-CFTR correctors, identifying novel molecular descriptors explaining the SAR of the dataset. This study is expected to speed up the discovery process of novel potent CFTR modulators.