bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exchange Networks with Stochastic Matching
Authors: Dragicevic Arnaud Zlatko
Published: December 2022

This paper tries to prove that the outcomes stemming from interactions on assignment markets bring about coordination in case of a stochastic matching subject to various forms of expectations. We consider an exchange network with stochastic matching between the pairs of players and analyze the dynamics of bargaining in such a market. The cases of convergent expectations, divergent expectations and of social preferences are studied. The extension of earlier works lies in the consideration of a stochastic matching on a graph dependent on the weights of edges. The results show that, in all three cases, the dynamics converges rapidly to the generalized Nash bargaining solution, which is an equilibrium that combines notions of stability and fairness. In the first two scenarios, the numerical simulations reveal that the convergence toward a fixed point is speedily achieved at the value of the outside option. In the third scenario, the fixed point promptly converges to the value of the outside option supplemented by the surplus share.
Efficacy of Graphene-Based Nanocomposite Gels as a Promising Wound Healing Biomaterial
Authors: Shanmugam Dilip Kumar , Madhavan Yasasve , Manimaran Aashabharathi , Kaliaraj Gobi Saravanan , Mohanraj Karthik Ganesh , Kandhasamy Narthana , Amirtharaj Mosas Kamalan Kirubaharan
Published: December 2022

The development of biocompatible nanocomposite hydrogels with effective wound healing/microbicidal properties is needed to bring out their distinguished characteristics in clinical applications. The positive interaction between graphene oxide/reduced graphene oxide (GO/rGO) and hydrogels and aloe vera gel represents a strong strategy for the advancement of therapeutic approaches for wound healing. In this study, the synthesis, characterization, and angiogenic properties of graphene-based nanocomposite gels have been corroborated and substantiated through several in vitro and in vivo assays. In this respect, graphene oxide was synthesized by incorporating a modified Hummer’s method and ascertained by Raman spectroscopy. The obtained GO and rGO were uniformly dispersed into the aloe vera gel and hydrogel, respectively, as wound healing materials. These formulations were characterized via in vitro bio-chemical techniques and were found suitable for the appropriate cell viability, attachment, and proliferation. In addition, in vivo experiments were conducted using male Wistar rats. This revealed that the GO/rGO-based gels stimulated wound contraction and re-epithelialization compared to that of the non-treatment group. From the study, it is suggested that GO/rGO-based aloe vera gel can be recommended as a promising candidate for wound healing applications.
Ozone Disinfection for Elimination of Bacteria and Degradation of SARS-CoV2 RNA for Medical Environments
Authors: Westover Craig , Rahmatulloev Savlatjon , Danko David , Afshin Evan E. , O’Hara Niamh B. , Ounit Rachid , Bezdan Daniela , Mason Christopher E.
Published: December 2022

Pathogenic bacteria and viruses in medical environments can lead to treatment complications and hospital-acquired infections. Current disinfection protocols do not address hard-to-access areas or may be beyond line-of-sight treatment, such as with ultraviolet radiation. The COVID-19 pandemic further underscores the demand for reliable and effective disinfection methods to sterilize a wide array of surfaces and to keep up with the supply of personal protective equipment (PPE). We tested the efficacy of Sani Sport ozone devices to treat hospital equipment and surfaces for killing Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis, and Deinococcus radiodurans by assessing Colony Forming Units (CFUs) after 30 min, 1 h, and 2 h of ozone treatment. Further gene expression analysis was conducted on live E. coli K12 immediately post treatment to understand the oxidative damage stress response transcriptome profile. Ozone treatment was also used to degrade synthetic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA as assessed by qPCR CT values. We observed significant and rapid killing of medically relevant and environmental bacteria across four surfaces (blankets, catheter, remotes, and syringes) within 30 min, and up to a 99% reduction in viable bacteria at the end of 2 h treatment cycles. RNA-seq analysis of E. coli K12 revealed 447 differentially expressed genes in response to ozone treatment and an enrichment for oxidative stress response and related pathways. RNA degradation of synthetic SARS-CoV-2 RNA was seen an hour into ozone treatment as compared to non-treated controls, and a non-replicative form of the virus was shown to have significant RNA degradation at 30 min. These results show the strong promise of ozone treatment of surfaces for reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections and as a method for degradation of SARS-CoV-2 RNA.
Indoor Navigation—User Requirements, State-of-the-Art and Developments for Smartphone Localization
Authors: Retscher Günther
Published: December 2022

A variety of positioning systems have emerged for indoor localization which are based on several system strategies, location methods, and technologies while using different signals, such as radio frequency (RF) signals. Demands regarding positioning in terms of performance, robustness, availability and positioning accuracies are increasing. The overall goal of indoor positioning is to provide GNSS-like functionality in places where GNSS signals are not available. Analysis of the state-of-the-art indicates that although a lot of work is being done to combine both the outdoor and indoor positioning systems, there are still many problems and challenges to be solved. Most people moving on the city streets and interiors of public facilities have a smartphone, and most professionals working in public facilities or construction sites are equipped with tablets or smartphone devices. If users already have the necessary equipment, they should be provided with further functionalities that will help them in day-to-day life and work. In this review study, user requirements and the state-of-the-art in system development for smartphone localization are discussed. In particular, localization with current and upcoming ‘signals-of-opportunity’ (SoP) for use in mobile devices is the main focus of this paper.
Neo-Barroco, the Missing Group of the New American Poetry
Authors: Nelson Paul E.
Published: December 2022

The New American Poetry anthology delineated “schools” of North American poetry which have become seminal: The Black Mountain School (Charles Olson, Robert Creeley, Denise Levertov), the New York School (John Ashbery, Barbara Guest, Frank O’Hara), the San Francisco Renaissance (Robert Duncan, Robin Blaser, Jack Spicer), and the Beats (Allen Ginsberg, Gary Snyder, Michael McClure). The word seminal is used in a traditional way, from the root: “of seed or semen … full of possibilities”, but here also because the work is dominated by men and the omission of poets like Diane di Prima and Joanne Kyger seems especially egregious now. As compared to the whiteness of academic verse of the time, the New American Poetry was radical and more diverse, but could be seen as quite inadequate in those aspects from a contemporary perspective. Of course culture must always be judged in proper context, including its era and the anthology has had a powerful impact on the poetry of the continent from which it came. This paper posits that The New American Poetry, had it looked even slightly off the shore of North America, could have included the Neo-Barroco school of Latin American poetry. The affinities are almost endless and the limited scope of even the most radical poets of the post-war generation is exposed.
An Analysis of Health Perceptions and Performance in Elementary Students in Korea during the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Seo Yongsuk , Kim Chul-min , Kim Min-jun , Lee Eui-jae , Youn Hyun-su
Published: December 2022

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, social distancing guidelines changed lifestyles, including increased sedentary time, physical inactivity, and disrupted sleep patterns among children. The purpose of the present study is to analyze the health awareness (mental health, disease, physical activity, sleep, eating habit, and hygiene health management) of elementary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic, and use the importance-performance analysis (IPA) technique to identify gender differences in health perceptions. We collected data on 1006 students, which was analyzed using frequency analysis, reliability testing, independent sample t-tests, and importance-performance analysis (IPA). A median importance value of 0.163 and a median performance value of 4.048 were selected as cross points to distribute the IPA matrix into four quadrants. The highest performance was given for wearing a mask and sanitary practice; the IPA matrix indicated that the sense of belonging, happiness, trust, and movement activity were located in quadrant I. Children’s regular physical activity and level of physical activity were low, especially that of girls. Children’s sleep management was poor. Their physical activity and sleep-related factors must be improved under the facilitation of the national government, public education institutions, and families.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation, Reliability, and Validity of a Hebrew Version of the Physiotherapist Self-Efficacy Questionnaire Adjusted to Low Back Pain Treatment
Authors: Shavit Ron , Kushnir Talma , Gottlieb Uri , Springer Shmuel
Published: December 2022

Background: Clinician self-efficacy may be an important factor in the success of treatment for low back pain (LBP), which has unique clinical features and a high prevalence rate. Therefore, it is important to assess clinicians’ self-efficacy in this particular condition. The Physiotherapist Self-Efficacy (PSE) questionnaire was designed to measure self-efficacy of physiotherapy students. Objectives: To translate and trans-culturally adapt the PSE into Hebrew, to adjust the questionnaire to assess clinicians’ self-efficacy in the treatment of LBP, and to assess the construct validity and reliability of the PSE in the Hebrew version. Methods: After adjustment for LBP and cross-cultural adaptation, test–retest reliability was assessed with 140 physiotherapists. The analyses used included exploratory factor analysis for structural validity, Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for test–retest reliability. Results: Factor analysis revealed a unidimensional structure with an acceptable model fit. The PSE translated into Hebrew exhibited a very high internal consistency (α = 0.93) and excellent test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.94). The standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimal detectable change (MDC) were 1.75 and 4.85, respectively. Conclusions: The Hebrew-translated PSE showed adequate validity and excellent reliability, indicating its suitability to measure clinician self-efficacy in treating patients with LBP.
Sustainable Horticulture Practices to Predict Consumer Attitudes towards Green Hotel Visit Intention: Moderating the Role of an Environmental Gardening Identity
Authors: Elshaer Ibrahim A. , Azazz Alaa M. S. , Ameen Faleh A. , Fayyad Sameh
Published: December 2022

A successful expansion and intensification of the links between tourism and horticulture is needed for tourism to contribute to economic diversification. Without inter-sectoral coordination and the cultivation of sustainable links between tourism demand and other sectors in the destination’s economy, tourism will be unable to function as a driver of tourist attraction. Therefore, tourism needs to establish ties with other industries, such as agriculture, to positively contribute to the surrounding area’s economy and improve the quality of life in rural and urban areas. The current study explores the sustainable gardening practices (SGP) in hotels and their impact on predicting tourist revisit intention with the mediating role of tourist attitudes (ATT) toward green hotels and assessing the environmental gardening identity (EGID) as a moderator. Dyadic data were collected from 286 guests and hotel gardeners and was analyzed by PLS-SEM. The results revealed that sustainable gardening practices positively (R2 = 0.581) and significantly (p > 0.05) improve tourist revisit intention through the mediating role of tourist attitudes toward green hotels. At the same time, the empirical results supported the moderation effects of the EGID on the links between SGP and ATT. Several practical and theoretical implications were discussed and elaborated upon.
Estimation of Lockdowns’ Impact on Well-Being in Selected Countries: An Application of Novel Bayesian Methods and Google Search Queries Data
Authors: Drachal Krzysztof , González Cortés Daniel
Published: December 2022

Lockdowns introduced in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant impact on societies from an economic, psychological, and health perspective. This paper presents estimations of their impact on well-being, understood both from the perspective of mental health and considering economic security and similar factors. This is not an easy task because well-being is influenced by numerous factors and the changes happen dynamically. Moreover, there are some obstacles when using the control group. However, other studies show that in certain cases it is possible to approximate selected phenomena with Google search queries data. Secondly, the econometric issues related to the suitable modeling of such a problem can be solved, for example, by using Bayesian methods. In particular, herein the recently gaining in popularity Bayesian structural time series and Bayesian dynamic mixture models are used. Indeed, these methods have not been used in social sciences extensively. However, in the fields where they have been used, they have been very efficient. Especially, they are useful when short time series are analyzed and when there are many variables that potentially have a significant explanatory impact on the response variable. Finally, 15 culturally different and geographically widely scattered countries are analyzed (i.e., Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom). Little evidence of any substantial changes in the Internet search intensity on terms connected with negative aspects of well-being and mental health issues is found. For example, in Mexico, some evidence of a decrease in well-being after lockdown was found. However, in Italy, there was weak evidence of an increase in well-being. Nevertheless, the Bayesian structural time series method has been found to fit the data most accurately. Indeed, it was found to be a superior method for causal analysis over the commonly used difference-in-differences method or Bayesian dynamic mixture models.
Individual and Socioeconomic Contextual Factors Associated with Obesity in Brazilian Adolescents: VigiNUTRI Brasil
Authors: Alves Rafaella Lemos , Toral Natacha , Gonçalves Vivian Siqueira Santos
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the association of socioeconomic contextual factors of the municipality of residence of adolescents, their eating behavior and food consumption with the prevalence of obesity. This was a cross-sectional study, based on individual data regarding anthropometry, eating behavior (eating in front of screens and having at least three main meals a day), and markers of healthy and unhealthy eating of 23,509 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years, participating in the Food and Nutrition Surveillance of the Brazilian Population monitored in Primary Health Care (VigiNUTRI Brasil) assessment in 2018. Based on multilevel Poisson regression, a higher prevalence of obesity was observed among adolescents living in municipalities with per capita income above USD209.68 (PR = 1.22; 95% CI 1.05;1.42) and among those who consumed hamburgers and/or processed meats the previous day (PR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.01;1.17). Adolescents who had the habit of having three main meals a day (PR = 0.81; 95% CI 0.73;0.89 p < 0.05) and who consumed fresh fruit the previous day (PR = 0.91; 95% CI 0.84;0.98 p < 0.001) had lower prevalence of obesity. The results reinforce the influence of the social context and food consumption on obesity rates. The persistence of this situation implies a worsening in the current and future health of adolescents.
Occupational Violence Experienced by Care Workers in the Australian Home Care Sector When Assisting People with Dementia
Authors: Maddox Atticus , Mackenzie Lynette
Published: December 2022

Background: People with advancing dementia may be dependent on community services from home care workers and nurses to be supported at home. However, these care workers face difficulty undertaking their roles due to challenging behaviours or occupational violence. This study aimed to explore the challenges faced by home care workers and nurses working with people diagnosed with dementia in the community, to identify job demands contributing to their vulnerability to occupational violence, and to determine ways to help manage occupational violence. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted by interviewing 10 homecare workers and six registered nurses from agencies in South Australia and New South Wales, Australia. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and inductive thematic data analysis was conducted. Results: The following themes were identified: (i) sources of threats; (ii) categories of violent, threatening or challenging behaviour; (iii) aggravating factors; (iv) early warning signs; (v) education and training; (vi) managing occupational violence, (vii) resources, (viii) outcomes associated with exposure to occupational violence. Conclusion: Serious issues were identified by participants, yet very little is known about occupational violence for these community care workers. Findings can inform what aspects of work design can be improved to moderate the effects of occupational violence exposure or mitigate rates of exposure, to enable long-term services for people with dementia.
The Influence of Transtibial Prosthesis Type on Lower-Body Gait Adaptation: A Case Study
Authors: Cherni Yosra , Laurendeau Simon , Robert Maxime , Turcot Katia
Published: December 2022

Gait parameters are altered and asymmetrical in individuals with transtibial amputation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of four different prosthetic feet on lower-limb biomechanics during gait. A 34-year-old man with transtibial amputation performed four gait analysis sessions with four foot–ankle prostheses (Variflex, Meridium, Echelon, and Kinterra). Kinematic and kinetic parameters and gait symmetry were analyzed in different prosthetic conditions. The type of prosthesis had little effect on the participant’s spatiotemporal parameters. Throughout the stance phase, increased hip angle, reduced knee flexion and ankle dorsiflexion were observed in the amputated leg. For kinetic parameters, reduced propulsive force (SI = 0.42–0.65), reduced knee extension moment (mainly during Echelon and Kinterra conditions, SI = 0.17 and 0.32, respectively), and increased knee abduction moment (mainly during the Variflex and Meridium, SI = 5.74 and 8.93, respectively) were measured in the amputated leg. Lower support moments were observed in the amputated leg as compared to the unaffected leg, regardless of the type of prosthesis (SI = 0.61–0.80). The prostheses tested induced different lower-limb mechanical adaptations. In order to achieve the clinical goal of better gait symmetry between lower limbs, an objective gait analysis could help clinicians to prescribe prosthetic feet based on quantitative measurement indicators to optimize gait rehabilitation.
Exploration of Perceived Determinants of Disordered Eating Behaviors in People with Mental Illness—A Qualitative Study
Authors: Mueller-Stierlin Annabel S. , Peisser Anna , Cornet Sebastian , Jaeckle Selina , Lehle Jutta , Moerkl Sabrina , Teasdale Scott B.
Published: December 2022

Disordered eating behaviors are common in people with a serious mental illness (SMI) such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder. This study employed qualitative exploration to understand the perceived determinants of eating behaviors, in particular those connected to disordered eating patterns, in people with SMI. In total, 28 semi-structured interviews were conducted in a consecutive sample of people with SMI under treatment in local mental health services in Australia (n = 12), Germany (n = 8) and Austria (n = 8) (mean age: 43.3 years, proportion of female participants: 61%, proportion of participants with ICD-10 F2 diagnosis: 57%, proportion of participants with ICD-10 F3 diagnosis: 64%). A thematic analysis approach, the framework method, was applied using MAXQDA 2020. Three main themes of determinants were derived: (i) impacts to daily functioning, (ii) disrupted physical hunger cues and (iii) emotional hunger. For impacts to daily functioning, the following themes emerged: lack of daily structure, time and drive, and difficulty planning ahead. For physical hunger, themes emerged for disrupted hunger and satiety cues, and mindless eating. All motives listed in the Palatable Eating Motives Scale (PEMS), i.e., coping, reward, social and conformity, have been reported by participants to be drivers for their emotional eating behavior. Subsequent reported behaviors were eating too much or too little, binge eating, night eating and food cravings. We conclude that interprofessional approaches should target daily functioning, disrupted physical hunger cues and emotional eating to reduce disordered eating behaviors in people with SMI.
Looking Towards 2030: Strengthening the Environmental Health in Childhood–Adolescent Cancer Survivor Programs
Authors: Cabrera-Rivera Laura , Sweetser Brittney , Fuster-Soler José , Ramis Rebeca , López-Hernández Fernando , Pérez-Martínez Antonio , Ortega-García Juan
Published: December 2022

Childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CACS) are a high-risk population for non-communicable diseases and secondary carcinogenesis. The Environmental and Community Health Program for Longitudinal Follow-up of CACS in the region of Murcia, Spain, is an ongoing pioneering program that constitutes a model for social innovation. This study aims to present the program tools and protocol as a whole, as well as a profile of the incidence, survival, and spatiotemporal distribution of childhood cancer in the region of Murcia, Spain, using 822 sample cases of cancer diagnosed in children under 15 years of age (1998–2020). While the crude incidence rate across that entire period was 149.6 per 1 million, there was an increase over that time in the incidence. The areas with a higher standardized incidence ratio have shifted from the northwest (1998-2003) to the southeast (2016–2020) region. Overall, the ten-year survival rate for all tumor types was 80.1% over the entire period, increasing the five-year survival rate from 76.1 (1998–2003) to 85.5 (2014–2018). CACS living in areas with very poor outdoor air quality had lower survival rates. Furthermore, integrating environmental health into clinical practice could improve knowledge of the etiology and prognosis, as well as the outcomes of CACS. Finally, monitoring individual carbon footprints and creating healthier lifestyles, alongside healthier environments for CACS, could promote wellbeing, environmental awareness, and empowerment in order to attain Sustainable Development Goals for non-communicable diseases in this population.
Impact of Moderate-To-Vigorous Sports Participation Combined with Resistance Training on Metabolic and Cardiovascular Outcomes among Lean Adolescents: ABCD Growth Study
Authors: von Ah Morano Ana Elisa , Torres Wésley , Zancheti Eduardo , Wigna Pereira de Jesus Andrea , Bexiga Urban Jacqueline , Fernandes Romulo Araújo
Published: December 2022

Background: To investigate the combined impact of being engaged in resistance training (RT) and meeting the physical activity guidelines through sports participation (SP) on cardiovascular and metabolic parameters in lean adolescents. Methods: A longitudinal study, part of the ongoing study entitled “ABCD Growth Study” (Analysis of Behaviors of Children During Growth), assessed data from 64 adolescents (23 from the sport group, 11 from the sport + RT group, and 30 from the control group). Metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes were analyzed as dependent variables. For the independent variables, sports participation and resistance training were considered, and for the covariates, sex, chronological age, body weight, height, and somatic maturation. Results: After 12 months of follow-up, the RT + SP presented improvements in triglycerides (TG) and the SP presented a reduction in LDL-c, TG, and glucose when compared to the control group. Conclusions: Being engaged in RT and SP is a good strategy to improve health in eutrophic adolescents, with a great impact on TG from the lipid profile.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of Food Security in China and Its Obstacle Factors
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lu Xiaoyong
Published: December 2022

China’s food security has attracted global attention as the various drivers of its instability and uncertainty have intensified. This study developed a new framework for food security evaluation in China by analyzing its availability, distribution, utilization, vulnerability, sustainability, and regulation. The entropy weight method (EWM) and the matter–element extension model (MEEM) were combined to examine China’s food security status between 2001 and 2020. Additionally, an obstacle degree model (ODM) was used to investigate the key factors functioning as obstacles to food security. The results show that China’s overall food security improved greatly but experienced a slight downward trend in 2003. The main obstacles initially entailed grain distribution but then spread to vulnerability- and sustainability-related issues. Ultimately, the key factors restricting China’s food security were the amount of fertilizer application per unit sown area (AFA) and the grain self-sufficiency rate (GSR). The next 40 years could be the most critical period for ensuring China’s food security, which incorporates demographic, climate change, and resource shortage factors. China appears to be implementing its national strategies through sustainable farmland use and agricultural technology innovation to facilitate the high-quality development of its grain industries and strengthen its food security. This study provides an overall picture of China’s food security and can serve as a reference for those concerned with China’s future national security.
Prevalence and Possible Predictors of Gambling Disorder in a Sample of Students in the Healthcare Professions
Authors: Scandroglio Francesca , Ferrazzi Giulia , Giacobazzi Alessia , Vinci Vera , Marchi Mattia , Galeazzi Gian Maria , Musetti Alessandro , Pingani Luca
Published: December 2022

The Italian version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen questionnaire (SOGS) and a socio-demographic questionnaire were administered to a sample of 275 healthcare professions students aged 19 to 58 years (mean age = 22.17; females = 81.1%) to address the research objectives: to examine the prevalence and correlates of problem gambling in a population of university healthcare professions students in Italy. Among the sample, 8.7% (n = 24) of participants showed problem gambling and 1.5% (n = 4) pathologic gambling. Lottery and scratch cards were the most frequent type of gambling in the sample, followed by cards and bingo. Compared to females, males tend to be more involved in problem gambling and pathological gambling. Males tend to be more involved than females in different types of gambling (such as cards, sports bets, gambling at the casino). Pathological gambling is positively associated with gender, being students lagging behind the regular schedule of exams and parents’ level of education. These findings have important implications in terms of prevention and intervention on gambling and pathological gambling. Universities should make available educational programs and counselling services to address this issue.
Exploring Hospital Inpatients’ Awareness of Their Falls Risk: A Qualitative Exploratory Study
Authors: Dabkowski Elissa , Cooper Simon J. , Duncan Jhodie R. , Missen Karen
Published: December 2022

Patient falls in hospital may lead to physical, psychological, social and financial impacts. Understanding patients’ perceptions of their fall risk will help to direct fall prevention strategies and understand patient behaviours. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and experiences that influence a patient’s understanding of their fall risk in regional Australian hospitals. Semi-structured, individual interviews were conducted in wards across three Australian hospitals. Participants were aged 40 years and over, able to communicate in English and were mobile prior to hospital admission. Participants were excluded from the study if they returned a Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) score of less than 18 when assessed by the researcher. A total of 18 participants with an average age of 69.8 years (SD ± 12.7, range 41 to 84 years) from three regional Victorian hospitals were interviewed for this study. Data were analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis identifying three major themes; (1) Environment (extrinsic) (2) Individual (intrinsic), and (3) Outcomes, as well as eight minor themes. Participants recognised the hazardous nature of a hospital and their personal responsibilities in staying safe. Falls education needs to be consistently delivered, with the focus on empowering the patient to help them adjust to changes in their clinical condition, whether temporary or permanent.
Short-Term Effect of Fly Ash from Biomass Combustion on Spring Rape Plants Growth, Nutrient, and Trace Elements Accumulation, and Soil Properties
Authors: Szostek Małgorzata , Szpunar-Krok Ewa , Jańczak-Pieniążek Marta , Ilek Anna
Published: December 2022

The short-term impact of biomass combustion fly ashes (BAs) fertilization on the spring rape growth, essential and trace elements accumulation in seeds, and selected soil and soil solution properties were analyzed in a pot experiment study. The pot experiment was carried out in the growing season (April–August) during the year 2018. The effect of BAs on the dry matter content in spring rape plants and the relative content of chlorophyll in leaves (SPAD) was analyzed. In addition, the effect of BAs on the accumulation of essential and trace elements in the seeds of this plant was analyzed. The impact of BAs on the basic physicochemical properties of soils was also assessed. Additionally, the solubility of compounds contained in BAs was monitored on the basis of the analysis of the changes in the physicochemical properties of soil solution during the experiment period. The present study demonstrated a positive effect of BAs fertilization on plant growth and development and improvement of soil physicochemical properties. A change has been achieved in the soil reaction class from a slightly acidic (control, NPK) to neutral (D1-D6), with the highest increase in pH induced by the highest ash dose of 3 mg ha−1 (D6). It was shown that BAs contributed to a significant increase in the content of macroelements than trace elements in the analyzed soil. In turn, the accumulation of these elements in plant seeds exhibited an inverse relationship, which was mainly influenced by the soil pH and the content of N, Ca, Mg, K, and Na in the soil, as indicated by the correlation coefficients. The highest contents of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Ni were detected in the seeds of plants fertilized with BAs at a dose of 2.0 Mg ha−1 (D4), and their respective values were 263, 363, 107, 51, 1835, and 137% higher than in the control. The Ca, Mg, S, and Na compounds introduced with BAs exhibited high solubility, as evidenced by the higher concentration of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and SO42− ions in the soil solutions and the dynamic changes in pH and EC observed during the experiment. The lowest solubility after the application of BAs was exhibited by N and P. The conducted PCA analysis to a large extent explained the variability between the applied fertilization and the factors analyzed in the experiment. Despite the positive impact of ashes, attention should be paid to the potential risks associated with their use. The use of higher doses of BAs may result in excessive alkalization and salinity of soils and may enhance the accumulation of trace elements in plants. These aspects should therefore be closely monitored, especially in the case of a long-term application of these wastes, in order to avoid serious environmental problems.
Financing Benefits and Barriers to Routine HIV Screening in Clinical Settings in the United States: A Scoping Review
Authors: Serag Hani , Clark Isabel , Naig Cherith , Lakey David , Tiruneh Yordanos M.
Published: December 2022

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone between 13–64 years be tested for HIV at least once as a routine procedure. Routine HIV screening is reimbursable by Medicare, Medicaid, expanded Medicaid, and most commercial insurance plans. Yet, scaling-up HIV routine screening remains a challenge. We conducted a scoping review for studies on financial benefits and barriers associated with HIV screening in clinical settings in the U.S. to inform an evidence-based strategy to scale-up routine HIV screening. We searched Ovid MEDLINE®, Cochrane, and Scopus for studies published between 2006–2020 in English. The search identified 383 Citations; we screened 220 and excluded 163 (outside the time limit, irrelevant, or outside the U.S.). Of the 220 screened articles, we included 35 and disqualified 155 (did not meet the eligibility criteria). We organized eligible articles under two themes: financial benefits/barriers of routine HIV screening in healthcare settings (9 articles); and Cost-effectiveness of routine screening in healthcare settings (26 articles). The review concluded drawing recommendations in three areas: (1) Finance: Incentivize healthcare providers/systems for implementing HIV routine screening and/or separate its reimbursement from bundle payments; (2) Personnel: Encourage nurse-initiated HIV screening programs in primary care settings and educate providers on CDC recommendations; and (3) Approach: Use opt-out approach.
The Effects of Forest Therapy on the Blood Pressure and Salivary Cortisol Levels of Urban Residents: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qiu Quan , Yang Ling , He Mei , Gao Wen , Mar Harrison , Li Jiyue , Wang Guangyu
Published: December 2022

Urban residents have a higher risk of hypertension and psychological stress than rural residents. Aside from medical interventions, understanding how to control hypertension and alleviate the stress of urban populations has become a public concern. As an alternative medical measure, forest therapy has shown the effects of normalizing blood pressure (BP) and reducing stress increasingly in recent literature, but this is still inconclusive. In order to systematically verify forest therapy’s effects on the BP and mental stress of urban residents, we conducted meta-analyses to assess the changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and salivary cortisol concentration (SCC; a stress biomarker) between the forest therapy group and urban control group. We searched 4 online databases, and 21 studies on BP involving 2270 participants and 13 studies on SCC involving 1786 participants were included. Through the meta-analysis, the mean difference and confidence interval (CI) estimates indicated that forest therapy significantly reduced participants’ SBP −3.44 (95% CI −5.74, −1.14), DBP −3.07 (95% CI −5.59, −0.54), and SCC −0.07 (95% CI −0.10, −0.04), as compared with urban control. Yet, there was substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 72.87–88.59%) among these studies. We also found that each prediction interval (PI) for SBP (95% PI −13.30, 6.42), DBP (95% PI −15.54, 9.41), and SCC (95% PI −0.18, 0.05) were all much wider than the CIs and contained values above 0. This means that forest therapy may reduce SBP, DBP, and SCC on average, but may not exclude adverse results. Meta-regression analyses showed that participants’ age and baseline SBP levels determined the heterogeneity among SBP studies. After forest therapy, older participants and those with higher baseline SBP levels had greater SBP-lowering effects. Among DBP studies, the primary source of heterogeneity was participants’ baseline DBP levels; participants with higher baseline DBP levels had greater DBP reduction. In subgroup analyses, we discovered that longer-term forest therapy programs (≥20 min) resulted in a greater reduction in BP and SCC than shorter-term forest therapy programs (<20 min). Additionally, seated viewing, walking, or multi-session programs in forests were observed to have similar effects on reducing BP and SCC. Despite extensive analyses, the study did not identify any sources of heterogeneity among forest therapy programs for lowering SCC levels. Overall, we conclude that forest therapy programs have beneficial therapeutic effects on urban residents’ physio-psychological health through lowering BP and relieving stress (reducing SCC). This finding provides solid evidence of the contribution of forest therapy to urban residents’ health and wellbeing.
Caspian Sea Mycosands: The Variety and Abundance of Medically Important Fungi in Beach Sand and Water
Authors: Moazeni Maryam , Hedayati Mohammad Taghi , Haghani Iman , Abastabar Mahdi , Jahantigh Abolfazl Saravani , Kheshteh Maryam , Nabili Mojtaba , Brandão João
Published: December 2022

Samples from a total of 67 stations, distributed amongst 32 cities along the Caspian Sea coastline, were collected during the summer of 2021 on sunny days. The samples were collected from each station, including both dry/wet sand and shoreline water. The grown samples were primarily analyzed for the macro/microscopic morphologic features of the fungi. Moreover, identification by PCR-RFLP was performed for yeasts, dermatophytes, and Aspergillus sp. strains. Antifungal susceptibility tests were performed for probable-isolated Aspergillus and Candida sp. A total of 268 samples were collected, from which 181 (67.54%) isolates were recovered. Yeast-like fungi and potential pathogenic black fungi were detected in 12 (6.6%) and 20 (11%) of the sand (dry/wet) samples. Potential pathogenic hyaline fungi were identified in 136 (75.1%) samples, in which Aspergillus sp. was the predominant genus and was detected in 76/136 (47.8%) samples as follows: A. section Flavi n = 44/76 (57.9%), A. section Nigri n = 19/76 (25%), A. section Nidulantes n = 9/76 (11.8%), and A. section Fumigati n = 4/76 (5.3%). The most effective azole antifungal agent was different per section: in A. section Fumigati, PSZ; in Aspergillus section Nigri, ITZ and ISZ; in A. section Flavi, EFZ; and in A. section Nidulantes, ISZ. Candida isolates were susceptible to the antifungals tested.
Scale and Environmental Impacts of Food Loss and Waste in China—A Material Flow Analysis
Authors: Jia Li , Zhang Jing , Qiao Guanghua
Published: December 2022

Evidence of China’s food loss and waste (FLW) and its increasing impacts on food security and environmental sustainability is urgently needed to guide policy intervention and avoid unnecessary damage to human health and the environment. This paper estimates the scale of China’s FLW in 2019 and assesses the environmental impacts of major food types along the entire food supply chain (FSC) by using a food balance and material flow analysis (MFA) based on existing empirical research. The results show a total FLW of 422.56 Mt which is around 22.37% of total food production (1889.12 Mt). There are also serious environmental impacts on the land footprint (LF), water footprint (WF), and the carbon footprint (CF) estimation (4152.36 × 109 gm2, 613.84 × 106 t CO2e and 506.07 × 109 m3 on average, respectively), most of which are found in foods of animal products, cereals, vegetables and fruit at the stages of consumption, agricultural production, postharvest handling and storage. In addition, the root causes of FLW generation at different levels—micro, meso and macro—were also analyzed. These results will provide significant guidance to researchers and decision-makers on primary data collection and reduction-policy development for China’s FLW.
Impact of Environmental Tax on Corporate Sustainable Performance: Insights from High-Tech Firms in China
Authors: Zhao Xiaomin , Li Jiahui , Li Yang
Published: December 2022

High-tech enterprises play an important role in leading the future industrial transformation, and their sustainable development deserves attention. Using data of 263 high-tech listed firms in China, we explore the impact of environmental tax on corporate sustainable performance, and the mediating role of green innovation. The results show that environmental tax positively affects corporate green innovation. However, the impact of environmental tax on the sustainable performance of state-owned enterprises and private enterprises is quite different. For private enterprises, environmental tax has an inverted U-shaped impact on both corporate financial performance and environmental-social performance. Furthermore, green innovation mediates the relationship of environmental tax and financial performance. In contrast with private enterprises, for state-owned enterprises, environmental tax has a negative linear impact on corporate financial performance. There is no empirical evidence supporting the effect of environmental tax on the environmental social performance of state-owned enterprises. The results imply that the government should implement different tax policies according to the firms’ characteristics, to promote the corporate sustainable development, especially state-owned enterprises.
Development and Validation of a Mobile Application as an Adjuvant Treatment for People Diagnosed with Long COVID-19: Protocol for a Co-Creation Study of a Health Asset and an Analysis of Its Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness
Authors: Samper-Pardo Mario , León-Herrera Sandra , Oliván-Blázquez Bárbara , Benedé-Azagra Belén , Magallón-Botaya Rosa , Gómez-Soria Isabel , Calatayud Estela , Aguilar-Latorre Alejandra , Méndez-López Fátima , Pérez-Palomares Sara , Cobos-Rincón Ana , Valero-Errazu Diana , Sagarra-Romero Lucia , Sánchez-Recio Raquel
Published: December 2022

Objective: To analyse the overall effectiveness and cost-efficiency of a mobile application (APP) as a community health asset (HA) with recommendations and recovery exercises created bearing in mind the main symptoms presented by patients in order to improve their quality of life, as well as other secondary variables, such as the number and severity of ongoing symptoms, physical and cognitive functions, affective state, and sleep quality. Methods: The first step was to design and develop the technologic community resource, the APP, following the steps involved in the process of recommending health assets (RHA). After this, a protocol of a randomised clinical trial for analysing its effectiveness and cost-efficiency as a HA was developed. The participants will be assigned to: (1st) usual treatment by the primary care practitioner (TAU), as a control group; and (2nd) TAU + use of the APP as a HA and adjuvant treatment in their recovery + three motivational interviews (MI), as an interventional group. An evaluation will be carried out at baseline with further assessments three and six months following the end of the intervention. Discussion: Although research and care for these patients are still in their initial stages, it is necessary to equip patients and health care practitioners with tools to assist in their recovery. Furthermore, enhanced motivation can be achieved through telerehabilitation (TR).
Suicide Possibility Scale Detection via Sina Weibo Analytics: Preliminary Results
Authors: Gu Yun , Chen Deyuan , Liu Xiaoqian
Published: December 2022

Suicide, as an increasingly prominent social problem, has attracted widespread social attention in the mental health field. Traditional suicide clinical assessment and risk questionnaires lack timeliness and proactivity, and high-risk groups often conceal their intentions, which is not conducive to early suicide prevention. In this study, we used machine-learning algorithms to extract text features from Sina Weibo data and built a suicide risk-prediction model to predict four dimensions of the Suicide Possibility Scale—hopelessness, suicidal ideation, negative self-evaluation, and hostility—all with model validity of 0.34 or higher. Through this method, we can detect the symptoms of suicidal ideation in a more detailed way and improve the proactiveness and accuracy of suicide risk prevention and control.
A Crisis in the Health System and Quality of Healthcare in Economically Developed Countries
Authors: Biel Magdalena , Grondys Katarzyna , Androniceanu Ane-Mari
Published: December 2022

A health crisis caused by a pandemic tested the effectiveness of national healthcare systems by testing both financing and organizational and technical performance of patient care. At that time, the structural flaws in healthcare systems and inequalities in the level of healthcare in its different dimensions and countries due to resource constraints were highlighted. Therefore, the paper concentrates on investigating how the crisis in the health system affects the quality of healthcare services as a result of changes in the availability of financial, material, and human resources belonging to this system. The quantitative data, in terms of healthcare characterizing the OECD countries and selected non-member economies, treated as an example of economically developed regions, were chosen for the analysis. The study included five areas of resources, i.e., demographic, financial, human, technical, and the delivery of basic services in healthcare. T-test method for dependent samples, supplemented with Hedge’s g statistics, was applied to test the differences between the mean values of individual indicators. The results indicate the occurrence of changes in some areas of the healthcare system due to a crisis. Identifying areas that are particularly vulnerable to sudden changes in the healthcare system helps to understand which resource areas need to be strategically managed first, as shifts in levels respond to deteriorating healthcare quality outcomes.
Comparing Musculoskeletal Injuries across Dance and Gymnastics in Adolescent Females Presenting to Emergency Departments
Authors: Pei Yixuan A. , Mahmoud Mattia A. , Baldwin Keith , Franklin Corinna
Published: December 2022

(1) Background: Studies have yet to identify if there are any differences in musculoskeletal injury patterns between dance and gymnastics. This study aimed to determine if different injury patterns exist in adolescent females participating in those two popular sports. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data collected from patients presenting to U.S. emergency departments participating in the publicly available, de-identified U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) throughout the year 2020. Regression analyses were performed to explore if injury patterns were predictive of gymnastics or dancing participation. (3) Results: 518 adolescent females with dance-related injuries and 597 adolescent females with gymnastics-related injuries in 2020 were examined. Strain/sprains (33.3%) and fractures (37.3%) were the most reported dance- and gymnastics-related diagnoses, respectively. Participants were 74% less likely to have a strain/sprain diagnosis in gymnastics compared to dance (OR = 0.26, 95% CI [0.18, 0.38]) and were 3.84 times more likely to have a fracture diagnosis from gymnastics compared to dance (OR = 3.84, 95% CI [2.67, 5.57]), even after adjusting for body party injured. (4) Conclusions: Dance is associated with more sprains while gymnastics typically resulted in a greater likelihood for fractures.