bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thiamine and Biotin: Relevance in the Production of Volatile and Non-Volatile Compounds during Saccharomyces cerevisiae Alcoholic Fermentation in Synthetic Grape Must
Authors: Evers Marie Sarah , Roullier-Gall Chloé , Morge Christophe , Sparrow Celine , Gobert Antoine , Vichi Stefania , Alexandre Hervé
Published: February 2023

Vitamins are major cofactors to numerous key metabolic pathways in enological yeasts, and both thiamine and biotin, notably, are believed to be essential to yeast fermentation and growth, respectively. In order to further assess and clarify their role in winemaking, and in the resulting wine, alcoholic fermentations of a commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae active dried yeast were conducted in synthetic media containing various concentrations of both vitamins. Growth and fermentation kinetics were monitored and proved the essential character of biotin in yeast growth, and of thiamine in fermentation. The synthetic wine volatile compounds were quantified, and notable influences of both vitamins appeared, through a striking positive effect of thiamine on the production of higher alcohols, and of biotin on fatty acids. Beyond the evidence of this influence on fermentations and on the production of volatiles, this work proves, for the first time, the impact held by vitamins on wine yeasts’ exometabolome, investigated through an untargeted metabolomic analysis. This highlighted chemical differences in the composition of synthetic wines through a notably marked influence of thiamine on 46 named S. cerevisiae metabolic pathways, and especially in amino acid-associated metabolic pathways. This provides, overall, the first evidence of the impact held by both vitamins on the wine.
Assessing Sensory Attributes and Properties of Infant Formula Milk Powder Driving Consumers’ Preference
Authors: Xi Yanmei , Zhao Tong , Liu Ruirui , Song Fuhang , Deng Jianjun , Ai Nasi
Published: February 2023

Infant formula milk powder (IFMP) is an excellent substitute for breast milk. It is known that the composition of maternal food during pregnancy and lactation and exposure level to food during infancy highly influence taste development in early infancy. However, little is known about the sensory aspects of infant formula. Herein, the sensory characteristics of 14 brands of infant formula segment 1 marketed in China were evaluated, and differences in preferences for IFMPs were determined. Descriptive sensory analysis was performed by well-trained panelists to determine the sensory characteristics of evaluated IFMPs. The brands S1 and S3 had significantly lower astringency and fishy flavor compared to the other brands. Moreover, it was found that S6, S7 and S12 had lower milk flavor scores but higher butter scores. Furthermore, internal preference mapping revealed that the attributes fatty flavor, aftertaste, saltiness, astringency, fishy flavor and sourness negatively contributed to consumer preference in all three clusters. Considering that the majority of consumers prefer milk powders rich in aroma, sweet and steamed flavors, these attributes could be considered for enhancement by the food industry.
Physicochemical Parameters, Antioxidant Capacity, and Antimicrobial Activity of Honeys from Tropical Forests of Colombia: Apis mellifera and Melipona eburnea
Authors: Zapata-Vahos Isabel Cristina , Henao-Rojas Juan Camilo , Yepes-Betancur Diana Paola , Marín-Henao Daniela , Giraldo Sánchez Carlos Eduardo , Calvo-Cardona Samir Julián , David Dorely , Quijano-Abril Mario
Published: February 2023

Honey is a functional food used worldwide and recognized for its multiple health benefits. In the present study, the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of honey produced by two species of bees (Melipona eburnea and Apis mellifera) in two seasons were evaluated. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of honey against three bacterial strains was studied. The quality of honey analyzed by LDA (linear discriminant analysis) showed four clusters mediated by the interaction, the bee species, and the collection season resulting from a multivariate function of discrimination. The physicochemical properties of the honey produced by A. mellifera met the requirements of the Codex Alimentarius, while the M. eburnea honey had moisture values outside the established ranges of the Codex. Antioxidant activity was higher in the honey of A. mellifera, and both kinds of honey showed inhibitory activity against S. typhimurium ATCC 14028 and L. monocytogenes ATCC 9118. E. coli ATCC 25922 showed resistance to the analyzed honey.
Impact of Climate Changes on the Natural Prevalence of Fusarium Mycotoxins in Maize Harvested in Serbia and Croatia
Authors: Janić Hajnal Elizabet , Kos Jovana , Radić Bojana , Anić Mislav , Radović Radmila , Kudumija Nina , Vulić Ana , Đekić Sanja , Pleadin Jelka
Published: February 2023

Ongoing climate change may affect the susceptibility of plants to attacks by pathogenic, mostly mycotoxigenic fungi with a consequent increase in the presence of mycotoxins. Fusarium fungi represent one of the most important producers of mycotoxins, and are also important pathogens of agricultural crops. Therefore, the main aim of the study was to estimate the impact of weather parameters on the natural occurrence of Fusarium mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisins B1 and B2 (FUMs), zearalenone (ZEN), T-2, and HT-2 toxins (T-2/HT-2) in maize samples harvested from two neighboring countries, Serbia and Croatia, during a four-year production period (2018–2021). The frequency and contamination level of examined Fusarium mycotoxins varied by maize year of production and could be linked to weather conditions per investigated country. Among them, FUMs were found to be the most common contaminants (84–100%) of maize in both Serbia and Croatia. Additionally, a critical assessment of Fusarium mycotoxins occurrence in the last 10 years (2012–2021), for both Serbia and Croatia, was done. Results pointed out the highest contamination of maize from 2014, especially with DON and ZEN, in connection to extreme levels of precipitation observed in both Serbia and Croatia, whereas FUMs occurred with high prevalence from each of the ten investigated years.
Electrospray-Assisted Fabrication of Dextran–Whey Protein Isolation Microcapsules for the Encapsulation of Selenium-Enriched Peptide
Authors: He Jiangling , Wang Zhenyu , Wei Lingfeng , Ye Yuanyuan , Din Zia-ud , Zhou Jiaojiao , Cong Xin , Cheng Shuiyuan , Cai Jie
Published: February 2023

Selenium-enriched peptide (SP, selenopeptide) is an excellent organic selenium supplement that has attracted increasing attention due to its superior physiological effects. In this study, dextran–whey protein isolation–SP (DX-WPI-SP) microcapsules were fabricated via high-voltage electrospraying technology. The results of preparation process optimization showed that the optimized preparation process parameters were 6% DX (w/v), feeding rate Q = 1 mL/h, voltage U = 15 kV, and receiving distance H = 15 cm. When the content of WPI (w/v) was 4–8%, the average diameter of the as-prepared microcapsules was no more than 45 μm, and the loading rate for SP ranged from ~46% to ~37%. The DX-WPI-SP microcapsules displayed excellent antioxidant capacity. The thermal stability of the microencapsulated SP was improved, which was attributed to the protective effects of the wall materials for SP. The release performance was investigated to disclose the sustained-release capacity of the carrier under different pH values and an in-vitro-simulated digestion environment. The digested microcapsule solution showed negligible influence on the cellular cytotoxicity of Caco-2 cells. Overall, our work provides a facile strategy of electrospraying microcapsules for the functional encapsulation of SP and witnesses a broad prospect that the DX-WPI-SP microcapsules can exhibit great potential in the food processing field.
New Hadamard Type Inequalities for Modified h-Convex Functions
Authors: Breaz Daniel , Yildiz Çetin , Cotîrlă Luminiţa-Ioana , Rahman Gauhar , Yergöz Büşra
Published: February 2023

In this article, we demonstrated various Hermite–Hadamard and Fejér type inequalities for modified h-convex functions. We showed several inequalities for the products of two modified h-convex functions. New identities related to inequalities in various forms are also established for different values of the h(φt) function. We believe that the approach presented in this paper will inspire more research in this area.
Fractal Dimension and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Characteristics of Surfactants for Coal Gas Desorption
Authors: Yang Lingling , Cai Feng , Yuan Yuan
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the fractal dimension of coal surfaces was calculated using the fractal theory, and the influence of different surfactants on the fractal dimension of coal surface was studied. Six kinds of sustainable and traditional surfactants used in coal gas desorption processes were compared and analyzed. We used mineral gas fertilizer coal from Huainan Liuzhuang, China, as the research object and studied sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), cohol diethanolamide (CDEA), nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (NP-10), tea saponin, sucrose ester and rhamnolipid surfactants used to modify coal. The methane adsorption capacity of coal before and after surfactant modification was measured by low field nuclear magnetic resonance methane adsorption, and Langmuir volume and Langmuir pressure were obtained according to the Langmuir fitting equation. The results showed that from the perspective of fractal dimensions, the best surfactant in the context of sustainability (in order) is rhamnolipid, CDEA, tea saponin, sucrose ester. According to the two important parameters VL and PL in the Langmuir equation, the coal sample modified by sucrose ester had the strongest gas adsorption capacity. According to the numerical analysis of the surface fractal dimension DS of the coal modified by surfactants, the soluble organic matter in the raw coal samples dissolved, and the micropore morphology evolved to become mesoporous or macroporous, which is more favorable for desorption. The coal samples modified by rhamnolipid and SDBS had the strongest gas desorption ability.
Fall-Related Hospitalizations in Elderly People: Temporal Trend and Spatial Distribution in Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Glenda R. O. N. , Chagas Tiago de N. das C. e , Gonçalves Lucia H. T. , Oliveira Marília de F. V. de , Botelho Eliã P. , Polaro Sandra H. I.
Published: February 2023

This study aims to identify the temporal variation and the spatial dependence structure of the hospitalization rate for falls in the elderly residing in Brazil in the period between 2010 and 2021. This ecological study employs secondary data from the Brazilian Ministry of Health about the fall-related hospitalization of people aged 60 years old and over. A time-series analysis was carried out, employing the joinpoint model. For the spatial analysis, the Moran autocorrelation technique was employed. In Brazil, between 2010 and 2021, there were 1,270,341 hospitalizations for falls recorded among the elderly in the Brazilian Hospitalization System. There was a continuous upward trend between 2010 and 2019 for all age groups, female and male, and all Brazilian regions. The trend stabilized between 2019 to 2021. The North and Northeast regions had faster upward trends among all Brazilian regions, and there was also a faster upward trend among women compared to men. A high-high pattern in hospitalization incidence was noticed from 2011 to 2019 in the states of São Paulo, Minhas Gerais, Paraná, and Mato Grosso do Sul. The results of this study provide subsidies for Brazilian health authorities to implement more efficient public policies to improve the quality of life of elderly people.
Psychometric Evaluation of Turkish Version of the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool: CCA-EUnurse Project
Authors: Uysal Toraman Aynur , Topçu Sevcan , Konal Korkmaz Ebru , Visiers-Jiménez Laura
Published: February 2023

It is important to understand nurses’ cultural competency all across the world, as globalization and international migration are increasing day by day. The evaluation of the cultural competence of nurses is necessary to provide better quality and adequate health services to individuals, and to improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes. The aim of this study is to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the “Cultural Competence Assessment Tool”. The methodological study was performed to assess instrument adaptation and validity and reliability testing. This study was conducted in a university hospital in western region of Turkey. The study sample consisted of 410 nurses who worked in this hospital. Validity was tested using content validity index, Kendall’s W test and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Reliability was tested using item-total and interitem correlations, Cronbach’s α coefficient of reliability and test–retest analysis. The results of this research demonstrated that the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool showed a good construct validity, internal reliability and test–retest reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated that a construct with four factors showed an acceptable model fit. In conclusion, this study concluded that the Turkish version of the Cultural Competence Assessment Tool is a valid and reliable measurement tool.
From Sub-Pectoral to Pre-Pectoral Implant Reconstruction: A Decisional Algorithm to Optimise Outcomes of Breast Replacement Surgery
Authors: Caputo Glenda Giorgia , Mura Sebastiano , Contessi Negrini Filippo , Albanese Roberta , Parodi Pier Camillo
Published: February 2023

Background: Innovations and advancements with implant-based breast reconstruction, such as the use of ADMs, fat grafting, NSMs, and better implants, have enabled surgeons to now place breast implants in the pre-pectoral space rather than under the pectoralis major muscle. Breast implant replacement surgery in post-mastectomy patients, with pocket conversion from retro-pectoral to pre-pectoral, is becoming increasingly common, in order to solve the drawbacks of retro-pectoral implant positioning (animation deformity, chronic pain, and poor implant positioning). Materials and Methods: A multicentric retrospective study was conducted, considering all patients previously submitted to implant-based post-mastectomy breast reconstruction who underwent a breast implant replacement with pocket conversion procedure at the University Hospital of Udine—Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Department—and “Centro di Riferimento Oncologico” (C.R.O.) of Aviano, from January 2020 to September 2021. Patients were candidates for a breast implant replacement with pocket conversion procedure if they met the following inclusion criteria: they underwent a previous implant-based post-mastectomy breast reconstruction and developed animation deformity, chronic pain, severe capsular contracture, or implant malposition. Patient data included age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, smoking status, pre- or post-mastectomy radiotherapy (RT), tumour classification, type of mastectomy, previous or ancillary procedures (lipofilling), type and volume of implant used, type of ADM, and post-operative complications (breast infection, implant exposure and malposition, haematoma, or seroma). Results: A total of 31 breasts (30 patients) were included in this analysis. Just three months after surgery, we recorded 100% resolution of the problems for which pocket conversion was indicated, which was confirmed at 6, 9, and 12 months post-operative. We also developed an algorithm describing the correct steps for successful breast-implant pocket conversion. Conclusion: Our results, although only early experience, are very encouraging. We realized that, besides gentle surgical handling, one of the most important factors in proper pocket conversion selection is an accurate pre-operative and intra-operative clinical evaluation of the tissue thickness in all breast quadrants.
Transforming Primary Care: Developing Health Precincts as Models for Sustainable Integrated Community-Based Healthcare
Authors: Oprescu Florin , Fjaagesund Shauna , Hardy Margaret , Jones Evan
Published: February 2023

Holistic healthcare precincts are an emerging service model to address the growing health service demands of ageing consumers and an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. In Australia and similar countries with universal publicly funded Medicare systems, the first point of access to healthcare is provided by general medical practitioners. This case report focuses on successful components of a private, integrated, patient-centred primary care model located in a low socioeconomic population in North Brisbane, Queensland. Successful components included a focus on sustainability, general practice as an anchor tenant in the health precinct, the integration of multiple services, team-based care for shared clinical services, flexible expansion options, the use of MedTech, support for small businesses and a cluster structure. The Morayfield Health Precinct (MHP) offers appropriate, safe and individualised healthcare to residents across their life continuum. Its success was built on a foundation of pre-planning, to ensure the design/build, anchor tenant and collaborative ecosystem were sustainable in the long term. MHP planning was based on an adaptation of the WHO-IPCC framework supporting true patient-centred, integrated care. Its shared vision and collaborative care are supported by its internal governance structure, tenant selection, established and emerging referral networks and partnerships. Evidence-based and informed care is further supported by internal and external research and education partnerships.
Utilization of Maternal Healthcare Services among Adolescent Mothers in Indonesia
Authors: Gayatri Ratih Virta , Hsu Yu-Yun , Damato Elizabeth G.
Published: February 2023

Providing maternal healthcare services is one of the strategies to decrease maternal mortality. Despite the availability of healthcare services, research investigating the utilization of healthcare services for adolescent mothers in Indonesia is still limited. This study aimed to examine the utilization of maternal healthcare services and its determinants among adolescent mothers in Indonesia. Secondary data analysis was performed using the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey 2017. Four hundred and sixteen adolescent mothers aged 15–19 years were included in the data analysis of frequency of antenatal care (ANC) visits and place of delivery (home/traditional birth vs. hospital/birth center) represented the utilization of maternal healthcare services. Approximately 7% of the participants were 16 years of age or younger, and over half lived in rural areas. The majority (93%) were having their first baby, one-fourth of the adolescent mothers had fewer than four ANC visits and 33.5% chose a traditional place for childbirth. Pregnancy fatigue was a significant determinant of both antenatal care and the place of delivery. Older age (OR 2.43; 95% CI 1.12–5.29), low income (OR 2.01; 95% CI 1.00–3.74), pregnancy complications of fever (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.31–3.36), fetal malposition (OR 2.01; 95% CI1.19–3.38), and fatigue (OR 3.63; 95% CI 1.27–10.38) were significantly related to four or more ANC visits. Maternal education (OR 2.14; 95% CI 1.35–3.38), paternal education (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.02–2.57), income level (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.12–3.79), insurance coverage (OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.11–2.53), and presence of pregnancy complications such as fever (OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.33–3.10), convulsion (OR 7.74; 95% CI 1.81–32.98), swollen limbs (OR 11.37; 95% CI 1.51–85.45), and fatigue (OR 3.65; 95% CI 1.50–8.85) were significantly related to the place of delivery. Utilization of maternal healthcare services among adolescent mothers was determined by not only socioeconomic factors but also pregnancy complications. These factors should be considered to improve the accessibility, availability, and affordability of healthcare utilization among pregnant adolescents.
The Complete Digital Workflow in Fixed Prosthodontics Updated: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bernauer Selina A. , Zitzmann Nicola U. , Joda Tim
Published: February 2023

Digital applications have changed therapy in prosthodontics. In 2017, a systematic review reported on complete digital workflows for treatment with tooth-borne or implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). Here, we aim to update this work and summarize the recent scientific literature reporting complete digital workflows and to deduce clinical recommendations. A systematic search of PubMed/Embase using PICO criteria was performed. English-language literature consistent with the original review published between 16 September 2016 and 31 October 2022 was considered. Of the 394 titles retrieved by the search, 42 abstracts were identified, and subsequently, 16 studies were included for data extraction. A total of 440 patients with 658 restorations were analyzed. Almost two-thirds of the studies focused on implant therapy. Time efficiency was the most often defined outcome (n = 12/75%), followed by precision (n = 11/69%) and patient satisfaction (n = 5/31%). Though the amount of clinical research on digital workflows has increased within recent years, the absolute number of published trials remains low, particularly for multi-unit restorations. Current clinical evidence supports the use of complete digital workflows in implant therapy with monolithic crowns in posterior sites. Digitally fabricated implant-supported crowns can be considered at least comparable to conventional and hybrid workflows in terms of time efficiency, production costs, precision, and patient satisfaction.
Effects of Meteo-Climatic Factors on Hospital Admissions for Cardiovascular Diseases in the City of Bari, Southern Italy
Authors: Telesca Vito , Castronuovo Gianfranco , Favia Gianfranco , Marranchelli Cristina , Pizzulli Vito Alberto , Ragosta Maria
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between weather conditions and hospital admissions for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The analysed data of CVD hospital admissions were part of the database of the Policlinico Giovanni XXIII of Bari (southern Italy) within a reference period of 4 years (2013–2016). CVD hospital admissions have been aggregated with daily meteorological recordings for the reference time interval. The decomposition of the time series allowed us to filter trend components; consequently, the non-linear exposure–response relationship between hospitalizations and meteo-climatic parameters was modelled with the application of a Distributed Lag Non-linear model (DLNM) without smoothing functions. The relevance of each meteorological variable in the simulation process was determined by means of machine learning feature importance technique. The study employed a Random Forest algorithm to identify the most representative features and their respective importance in predicting the phenomenon. As a result of the process, the mean temperature, maximum temperature, apparent temperature, and relative humidity have been determined to be the most suitable meteorological variables as the best variables for the process simulation. The study examined daily admissions to emergency rooms for cardiovascular diseases. Using a predictive analysis of the time series, an increase in the relative risk associated with colder temperatures was found between 8.3 °C and 10.3 °C. This increase occurred instantly and significantly 0–1 days after the event. The increase in hospitalizations for CVD has been shown to be correlated to high temperatures above 28.6 °C for lag day 5.
Collaborative Learning through a Virtual Community of Practice in Dementia Care Support: A Scoping Review
Authors: Dedzoe Justice Dey-Seshie , Malmgren Fänge Agneta , Christensen Jonas , Lethin Connie
Published: February 2023

The aim of this scoping review was to identify, synthesize, and report research on reflective collaborative learning through virtual communities of practice (vCoP), which, to our knowledge, is scarce. A second aim was to identify, synthesize, and report research on the facilitators and barriers associated with resilience capacity and knowledge acquisition through vCoP. The literature was searched in PsycINFO, CINAHL, Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (ScR) framework guided the review. Ten studies were included in the review, seven quantitative and three qualitative studies, written in English and published from January 2017 to February 2022. The data were synthesized using a numerical descriptive summary and qualitative thematic analysis. Two themes: ‘knowledge acquisition’ and ‘strengthening resilience capacity’ emerged. The literature synthesis provides evidence of a vCoP as a digital space that supports knowledge acquisition and strengthens resilience for persons with dementia, and their informal and formal caregivers. Hence, the use of vCoP seems to be useful for dementia care support. Further studies including less developed countries are, however, needed to enable generalizability of the concept of vCoP across countries.
The Relationship between Psychological Stress and Emotional State in Chinese University Students during COVID-19: The Moderating Role of Physical Exercise
Authors: Tao Baole , Lu Tianci , Chen Hanwen , Yan Jun
Published: February 2023

Objective: To explore the relationship between psychological stress and the emotional state of Chinese college students and the moderating effect of physical exercise. Methods: Students in a university in Jiangsu Province were randomly selected for the survey, and questionnaires were administered using the Physical Activity Rating Scale, the Profile of Mood States, and the Chinese College Student Psychological Stress Scale. A total of 715 questionnaires were distributed, and 494 valid questionnaires were returned. Among the students, there were 208 (42.1%) males and 286 (57.9%) females, with a mean age of 19.27 years (SD = 1.06). Results: We found a significant negative correlation between physical exercise and psychological stress (r = −0.637, p < 0.001); a significant negative correlation between physical exercise and emotional state (r = −0.032, p < 0.001); and a significant positive correlation between psychological stress and emotional state (r = 0.51, p < 0.001). Physical exercise negatively moderates the relationship between psychological stress and emotional state (B = −0.012, p < 0.01, ΔR2 = 0.007). Conclusion: Physical exercise is negatively correlated with both emotional state and psychological stress. Physical exercise can reduce the influence of psychological stress on emotional state and promote emotional health.
Effects of Sewage Treatment Water Supply on Leaf Development and Yield of Tuberous Roots in Multilayered Sweet Potato Cultivation
Authors: Suzuki Takahiro , Sakamoto Masaru , Kubo Hiroshi , Miyabe Yui , Hiroshima Daisuke
Published: February 2023

To develop a way to mass-produce sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) as an energy crop to replace fossil fuels, the effects of using a sewage supply as a fertilizer and heat source were investigated. When 25 pots planted with sweet potato vine seedlings were arranged in three layers and cultivated for 160 days from June to November by supplying treated sewage to the root zone, the yield of tuberous roots reached 19.5 kg m−2 due to the massive growth of leaves. In addition, when sweet potato seedlings were replanted in December and treated sewage was supplied to maintain the irrigation water temperature above 15 °C even in winter, overwintering cultivation was successful and 8.4 kg m−2 of tuberous roots were harvested in July. As a result, the annual production rate for 12 months increased to 25.3 kg m−2, about 10 times the national average of 2.4 kg m−2 for open-field cultivation. The results far exceed previously reported maximum production of resource crops, such as sugarcane and eucalyptus, suggesting that the mass production of sweet potatoes by supplying treated sewage could provide an alternative to fossil fuels on a large scale.
Attentional Focus Strategies to Improve Motor Performance in Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Chen Ting Ting , Mak Toby C. T. , Ng Shamay S. M. , Wong Thomson W. L.
Published: February 2023

Previous literature shows the beneficial effects of an external focus of attention on various sports skills in young adults. The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of external and internal focus of attention on motor performance in healthy older adults. The literature search was conducted in five electronic databases (PsycINFO, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Scopus, and Web of Science). Eighteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated. Most of the motor tasks targeting older adults were related to postural control and gait. Over 60% of the included studies reported that the effect of an external focus was superior to that of an internal focus on motor performance in older adults. An external focus generally results in better motor performance than an internal focus among healthy older adults. However, the advantage of an external focus on locomotion may not be as significant as those illustrated in previous attentional focus studies. A challenging cognitive task may allow more automatic motor control than an external focus. Practitioners might provide clear instruction cues guiding performers to divert their attention away from their body and towards the movement effect for better performance, particularly in balancing tasks.
Can Agricultural Cooperatives Promote Chinese Farmers’ Adoption of Green Technologies?
Authors: Dong Chong , Wang Hainan , Long Wenjin , Ma Jiujie , Cui Yi
Published: February 2023

Green technologies are important for achieving green and high-quality agricultural development. The Chinese government has issued various policies to explicitly encourage the adoption of green technologies. However, incentives for Chinese farmers to adopt green technologies remain insufficient. This study examines whether participation in agricultural cooperatives can help break the barriers to Chinese farmers’ adoption of green technologies. It also examines the potential mechanisms by which cooperatives can mitigate the lack of incentives for farmers to adopt agricultural green technologies. Using data from a study on farmers in four Chinese provinces, we found that cooperative participation significantly increases farmers’ adoption behavior for both green technologies with effective market incentives (e.g., commercial organic fertilizer technologies) and those without such incentives (e.g., water-saving irrigation technologies).
Simulation Experiment Research of Mine Roadway Simulating Test Device with Adjustable Wind Velocity and Temperature and Humidity
Authors: Liu Lindong , Du Cuifeng , Wang Yuan , Chen Jianwu , Yang Bin , Jin Weibo
Published: February 2023

The design and development process of wind velocity sensors for mining has been a challenging task due to the complexity of a large number of field tests. To resolve this problem, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive test device for the design and development of high-precision wind velocities sensor for mining. Through a combination of experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD), a device that can simulate the mine roadway environment was developed. The device can control the temperature, humidity, and wind velocity parameters to fully replicate the mine roadway environment. It gives designers and developers of high-precision wind velocity sensors for mining a rational and scientific testing environment. In order to quantitatively define the uniformity of air flow in the mine highway section, the research introduced the non-uniformity determination method. The approach was expanded to assess the cross-sectional uniformity of temperature and humidity. The wind velocity within the machine can increase to 8.5 m/s by selecting the right kind of fan. The minimum wind velocity non-uniformity at this moment is 2.30%. The device’s internal temperature can be raised to 38.23 °C and its humidity level can be increased to 95.09% by carefully crafting the rectifier orifice plate’s structure. At this time, the lowest temperature non-uniformity is 2.22%, and the lowest humidity non-uniformity is 2.40%. The device’s average wind velocity is 4.37 m/s, its average temperature is 37.7 °C, as well as its average humidity is 95%, per the emulate results. The device’s non-uniformity in wind velocity, temperature, and humidity is 2.89%, 1.34%, and 2.23%, respectively. It is capable of simulating the mine roadway environment in its entirety.
Existing Building Renovation: A Review of Barriers to Economic and Environmental Benefits
Authors: Liao Haolan , Ren Rong , Li Lu
Published: February 2023

The renovation of old buildings provides an important approach to energy saving and emission reduction with low economic costs. The current important issue remains how to determine the optimal cost-effective technical path for a specific project, although there are a large number of retrofit technologies to choose from. Based on a systematic perspective, this paper conducts a quantitative analysis of the environmental and economic benefits of building renovation, and compares and studies the role and challenges of different countries in the process of recycling waste building materials and technological innovation to extend the life of buildings. Through the use of VOSviewer, 1402 papers from the Web of Science core collection database were visualized, analyzed, and deduced, and the research context and development trends of architectural renovation were sorted out and presented. Finally, this article discusses the status and application process of existing building renovation technologies, including the current obstacles that need to be resolved. It puts forward a vision for the future development of building renovation, emphasizing that top-down guidance is essential to future carbon neutral goals.
Asking the Experts: Using Cognitive Interview Techniques to Explore the Face Validity of the Mental Wellness Measure for Adolescents Living with HIV
Authors: Orth Zaida , Van Wyk Brian
Published: February 2023

There has been an increased focus on the mental health of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV), because evidence shows that poor mental health outcomes are associated with lower rates of adherence and retention in HIV care. However, the research to date has predominantly focused on addressing mental health problems and reducing symptoms of mental illness rather than strengthening mental wellness [positive mental health]. Consequently, little is known about the critical mental wellness indicators that should be targeted in services for ALHIV. There is a need for valid and appropriate measures of mental wellness to drive research and provide evidence on the mental wellness needs of ALHIV that would inform service delivery as well as the monitoring and evaluation of treatment outcomes. To this end, we developed the Mental Wellness Measure for Adolescents Living with HIV (MWM-ALHIV) for ALHIV in the South African context. In this paper, we report on the findings from a cognitive interview study with nine ALHIV aged 15–19 years receiving treatment at a public healthcare facility in the Cape Metropole, South Africa. Through interviews, participants identified key issues related to the wording, relevance and understanding of the items and provided suggestions to improve the instrument’s overall face validity.
Feigning Adult ADHD on a Comprehensive Neuropsychological Test Battery: An Analogue Study
Authors: Becke Miriam , Tucha Lara , Butzbach Marah , Aschenbrenner Steffen , Weisbrod Matthias , Tucha Oliver , Fuermaier Anselm B. M.
Published: February 2023

The evaluation of performance validity is an essential part of any neuropsychological evaluation. Validity indicators embedded in routine neuropsychological tests offer a time-efficient option for sampling performance validity throughout the assessment while reducing vulnerability to coaching. By administering a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery to 57 adults with ADHD, 60 neurotypical controls, and 151 instructed simulators, we examined each test’s utility in detecting noncredible performance. Cut-off scores were derived for all available outcome variables. Although all ensured at least 90% specificity in the ADHD Group, sensitivity differed significantly between tests, ranging from 0% to 64.9%. Tests of selective attention, vigilance, and inhibition were most useful in detecting the instructed simulation of adult ADHD, whereas figural fluency and task switching lacked sensitivity. Five or more test variables demonstrating results in the second to fourth percentile were rare among cases of genuine adult ADHD but identified approximately 58% of instructed simulators.
A Low-Cost Sensor System Installed in Buses to Monitor Air Quality in Cities
Authors: Correia Carolina , Martins Vânia , Matroca Bernardo , Santana Pedro , Mariano Pedro , Almeida Alexandre , Almeida Susana Marta
Published: February 2023

Air pollution is an important source of morbidity and mortality. It is essential to understand to what levels of air pollution citizens are exposed, especially in urban areas. Low-cost sensors are an easy-to-use option to obtain real-time air quality (AQ) data, provided that they go through specific quality control procedures. This paper evaluates the reliability of the ExpoLIS system. This system is composed of sensor nodes installed in buses, and a Health Optimal Routing Service App to inform the commuters about their exposure, dose, and the transport’s emissions. A sensor node, including a particulate matter (PM) sensor (Alphasense OPC-N3), was evaluated in laboratory conditions and at an AQ monitoring station. In laboratory conditions (approximately constant temperature and humidity conditions), the PM sensor obtained excellent correlations (R2≈1) against the reference equipment. At the monitoring station, the OPC-N3 showed considerable data dispersion. After several corrections based on the k-Köhler theory and Multiple Regression Analysis, the deviation was reduced and the correlation with the reference improved. Finally, the ExpoLIS system was installed, leading to the production of AQ maps with high spatial and temporal resolution, and to the demonstration of the Health Optimal Routing Service App as a valuable tool.
Copula-Based Assessment and Regionalization of Drought Risk in China
Authors: Li Ming , Wang Guiwen , Zong Shengwei , Chai Xurong
Published: February 2023

Droughts are widespread in China and have brought considerable losses to the economy and society. Droughts are intricate, stochastic processes with multi-attributes (e.g., duration, severity, intensity, and return period). However, most drought assessments tend to focus on univariate drought characteristics, which are inadequate to describe the intrinsic characteristics of droughts due to the existence of correlations between drought attributes. In this study, we employed the standardized precipitation index to identify drought events using China’s monthly gridded precipitation dataset from 1961 to 2020. Univariate and copula-based bivariate methods were then used to examine drought duration and severity on 3-, 6-, and 12-month time scales. Finally, we used the hierarchical cluster method to identify drought-prone regions in mainland China at various return periods. Results revealed that time scale played an essential role in the spatial heterogeneity of drought behaviors, such as average characteristics, joint probability, and risk regionalization. The main findings were as follows: (1) 3- and 6-month time scales yielded comparable regional drought features, but not 12-month time scales; (2) higher drought severity was associated with longer drought duration; (3) drought risk was higher in the northern Xinjiang, western Qinghai, southern Tibet, southwest China, and the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and lower in the southeastern coastal areas of China, the Changbai Mountains, and the Greater Khingan Mountains; (4) mainland China was divided into six subregions according to joint probabilities of drought duration and severity. Our study is expected to contribute to better drought risk assessment in mainland China.
The Individual- and Organization-Related Stressors in Pandemic Scale for Healthcare Workers (IOSPS-HW): Development and Psychometric Properties of a New Instrument to Assess Individual and Organizational Stress Factors in Periods of Pandemics
Authors: Primi Caterina , Giuli Monica , Baroni Emanuele , Zurkirch Vanessa , Galanti Matteo , Belloni Laura , Gori Costanza , Donati Maria Anna
Published: February 2023

The validation and psychometric properties of the Individual and Organization related Stressors in Pandemic Scale for Healthcare Workers (IOSPS-HW) were presented. This is a new measure to assess individual factors related to the health and well-being of individuals, such as family and personal relationships, as well as organizational factors related to the management of the pandemic, including workplace relationships, job management and communication. Across two studies conducted at different time points of the pandemic, psychometric evidence of the IOSPS-HW is presented. In Study 1, through a cross-sectional design, we conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis through which the originally developed 43 items scale was reduced to a 20-item bidimensional scale with two correlated dimensions: Organization-related Stressors (O-S; 12 items) and Individual- and Health-related Stressors (IH-S; 8 items). Internal consistency and criterion validity were also provided by investigating the relationship with post-traumatic stress. In Study 2, we provided evidence for the temporal invariance of the measure and for temporal stability through a Multigroup-CFA through a longitudinal design. We also supported the criterion and predictive validity. The results suggest that IOSPS-HW is a good instrument to simultaneously investigating individual and organizational factors related to sanitary emergencies in healthcare workers.
Characteristics of Patients Who Complete Suicide and Suicide Attempts While Undergoing Treatment in Norway: Findings from Compensation Claims Records
Authors: Krvavac Sanja , Bystad Martin , Wynn Rolf , Bukholm Ida Rashida Khan , Jansson Billy
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study was to identify characteristics that differentiate patients who complete suicide (SC) from patients with suicide attempts (SA) while undergoing treatment in Norway. We examined data from the Norwegian System of Patient Injury Compensation (Norsk Pasientskade Erstatning—NPE). Data were extracted from NPE case records from a 10-year period (2009–2019) for 356 individuals who attempted (n = 78) or died by (n = 278) suicide. The two groups differed significantly in the types of medical errors identified by experts. Inadequate suicide risk assessment tended to be proportionally and significantly more prevalent among SC compared to SA. There was a weak but significant trend that SA had received medication only, whereas SC had received both medication and psychotherapy. There were no significant differences with respect to age group, gender, diagnostic category, number of previous suicide attempts, inpatient/outpatient status, or category of responsible clinic. We conclude that suicide attempters and suicide completers differed in terms of identified medical errors. Focusing on the prevention of these and other types of errors could help to reduce the number of suicides of patients in treatment.
Efficacy of Varenicline in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence: An Updated Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression
Authors: Phimarn Wiraphol , Sakhancord Rotjanawat , Paitoon Peerasaran , Saramunee Kritsanee , Sungthong Bunleu
Published: February 2023

Background: Although varenicline has been used for alcohol dependence (AD) treatment, its efficacy for this condition remains controversial. Aims: This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assesses the efficacy and safety of varenicline in patients with AD. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and ThaiLis were systematically searched. RCTs investigating the efficacy and safety of varenicline in patients with AD were included. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were independently performed by two authors. The Jadad score and Cochrane risk of bias were used to assess the quality of the included studies. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 and chi-squared tests. Results: Twenty-two high-quality RCTs on 1421 participants were included. Varenicline significantly reduced alcohol-related outcomes compared with placebo based on percentage of abstinent days (standardized mean difference [SMD] 4.20 days; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21, 8.19; p = 0.04), drinks per day (SMD −0.23 drinks; 95% CI: −0.43, −0.04; p = 0.02), drinks per drinking day (SMD −0.24 drinks; 95% CI: −0.44, −0.05; p = 0.01), craving assessed using the Penn alcohol craving scale (SMD −0.35; 95% CI: −0.59, −0.12; p = 0.003), and craving assessed using the alcohol urge questionnaire (SMD −1.41; 95% CI: −2.12, −0.71; p < 0.0001). However, there were no significant effects on abstinence rate, percentage of drinking days, percentage of heavy drinking days, alcohol intoxication, or drug compliance. Serious side effects were not observed in the varenicline or placebo groups. Conclusion: Our results indicated that AD patients treated with varenicline showed improvement in percentage of very heavy drinking days, percentage of abstinent days, drinks per day, drinks per drinking day, and craving. However, well-designed RCTs with a large sample size and long duration on varenicline treatment in AD remain warranted to confirm our findings.
Efficacy of Virtual Reality Simulation in Teaching Basic Life Support and Its Retention at 6 Months
Authors: Castillo Jordi , Rodríguez-Higueras Encarna , Belmonte Ricardo , Rodríguez Carmen , López Alejandro , Gallart Alberto
Published: February 2023

Educational efficiency is the predetermining factor for increasing the survival rate of patients with cardiac arrest. Virtual reality (VR) simulation could help to improve the skills of those undergoing basic life support–automated external defibrillation (BLS–AED) training. Our purpose was to evaluate whether BLS–AED with virtual reality improves the skills and satisfaction of students enrolled in in-person training after completing the course and their retention of those skills 6 months later. This was an experimental study of first-year university students from a school of health sciences. We compared traditional training (control group—CG) with virtual reality simulation (experimental group—EG). The students were evaluated using a simulated case with three validated instruments after the completion of training and at 6 months. A total of 241 students participated in the study. After the training period, there were no statistically significant differences in knowledge evaluation or in practical skills when assessed using a feedback mannequin. Statistically significant results on defibrillation were poorer in the EG evaluated by the instructor. Retention at 6 months decreased significantly in both groups. The results of the teaching methodology using VR were similar to those obtained through traditional methodology: there was an increase in skills after training, and their retention decreased over time. Defibrillation results were better after traditional learning.