bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motivations, Behaviors and Expectancies of Sexting: The Role of Defensive Strategies and Social Media Addiction in a Sample of Adolescents
Authors: Ragona Alessandra , Mesce Martina , Cimino Silvia , Cerniglia Luca
Published: January 2023

Adolescents and young adults engage in sexting behaviors. Research has mainly emphasized the relationship between motivations and sexting behaviors, with little attention paid to sexting expectations and the potential role of coping strategies. This study aims to explore the measure of emotional–behavioral functioning with the Youth/Adult Self Report (based on the subject’s age), the use of defensive strategies measured with the Response Evaluation Measure (REM-71), social media addiction with the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and all dimensions of sexting: motivations, behavior and expectations measured with the Sexting Motivation Questionnaire (SMQ), Sexting Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ) and Sexpectancies Questionnaire (SQ), respectively. N = 209 adolescents and young adults were recruited from high schools and universities in Rome to complete the self-report questionnaires. Results show that males tend to have higher expectations of sexting than females. We also found that expectations play a role in determining sexting behaviors and motivations. Our hypotheses on social media addiction and sexting were confirmed, while the relationship between the defensive strategies and sexting was not significant as expected. Further studies on this topic are desirable in the future.
Effectiveness of Displaying Traffic Light Food Labels on the Front of Food Packages in Japanese University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wakui Nobuyuki , Matsuoka Raini , Togawa Chikako , Ichikawa Kotoha , Kagi Hinako , Watanabe Mai , Ikarashi Nobutomo , Yamamura Miho , Shirozu Shunsuke , Machida Yoshiaki
Published: January 2023

Nutrition labeling on the front of food packages has been implemented worldwide to help improve public health awareness. In this randomized double-blind controlled trial, we used a Google Forms questionnaire to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition labeling on food packages in university students. The questionnaire, ultimately completed by 247 students, included 15 dietary images from which they were asked to choose what they wanted to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner the following day. For the interventional (traffic light food [TLF]) group only, TLF labels were displayed on dietary images. This group had a significantly higher proportion of people conscious of healthy eating during all meals than the control group, and the effect of TLF labeling on choosing meals was the highest for lunch. In addition to the indicated nutritional components, the TLF group had a significantly higher proportion of people who were conscious of the ones of protein and dietary fiber that were not indicated on the label. The use of TLF labels resulted in an increase in the proportion of people choosing a healthy diet as well as being conscious of their nutritional components. Therefore, the use of TLF labels may help promote healthy dietary choices in Japan.
Mapping Health Fragility and Vulnerability in Air Pollution–Monitoring Networks in Dallas–Fort Worth
Authors: Northeim Kari , Oppong Joseph R.
Published: January 2023

Environmental air pollution remains a major contributor to negative health outcomes and mortality, but the relationship between socially vulnerable populations and air pollution is not well understood. Although air pollution potentially affects everyone, the combination of underlying health, socioeconomic, and demographic factors exacerbate the impact for socially vulnerable population groups, and the United States Clean Air Act (CAA) describes an obligation to protect these populations. This paper seeks to understand how air pollution monitor placement strategies and policy may neglect social vulnerabilities and therefore potentially underestimate exposure burdens in vulnerable populations. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between being in an ozone-monitored area or not on 15 vulnerability indicators. It was found that the odds of not being in an ozone-monitored area (not covered, outside) increased for the predictor mobile homes (OR = 4.831, 95% CI [2.500–9.338] and OR = 8.066, 95% CI [4.390–14.820] for the 10 and 20 km spatial units, respectively) and decreased for the predictor multiunit structures (OR = 0.281, 95% CI [0.281–0.548] and OR = 0.130, 95% CI [0.037, 0.457] for the 10 and 20 km spatial units, respectively) and the predictor speaks English “less than well” (OR = 0.521, 95% CI [0.292–0.931] for 10 km). These results indicate that existing pollution sensor coverage may neglect areas with concentrations of highly vulnerable populations in mobile homes, and future monitoring placement policy decisions must work to address this imbalance.
A Smart Spatial Routing and Accessibility Analysis System for EMS Using Catchment Areas of Voronoi Spatial Model and Time-Based Dijkstra’s Routing Algorithm
Authors: Alamri Abdullah
Published: January 2023

The concept of a catchment area is often used to establish equitable access to essential services such as ambulance emergency medical services. In a time-sensitive environment, taking the wrong decision when there is a need for a short travel time can have serious consequences. In ambulance management, a mistaken dispatch which may result in the late arrival of an ambulance can lead to a life-and-death situation. In addition, finding the optimal route to reach the destination within a minimum amount of time is a significant problem. A spatial routing analysis based on travel times within the emergency services catchment area can quickly find the best routes to emergency points and may overcome this problem. In this study, a smart spatial routing and accessibility analysis system is proposed for EMS using catchment areas of the Voronoi spatial model and time-based Dijkstra’s routing algorithm (TDRA) to support the route analysis of emergencies and to facilitate the dispatch of appropriate units that are able to respond within a reasonable time frame. Our simulation shows that the system can successfully predict and determine the nearest candidate ambulance unit within the catchment area and candidate ambulance services in the adjacent catchment area that has a minimum travel time to the demand point taking TDRA construction into account.
Spatio-Temporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Ecological Well-Being Performance from the Perspective of Strong Sustainability: A Case Study of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China
Authors: Lai Zhicheng , Li Lei , Tao Zhuomin , Li Tao , Shi Xiaoting , Li Jialing , Li Xin
Published: January 2023

The concept of strong sustainability suggests that natural capital is irreplaceable and emphasizes that human natural consumption cannot exceed the carrying capacity of the ecological environment. In the realistic context of tightening resource constraints and ecological degradation, how to explore the optimal economic and well-being output under certain ecological constraints has become an important topic in sustainability research. Ecological well-being performance (EWP) can comprehensively reflect the efficiency of natural resources and ecological inputs into the well-being level and has become an important tool for sustainable development research. Based on strong sustainability, this paper constructs an EWP evaluation index system. It decomposes EWP into two stages: ecological economy and economic well-being, which opens the “black box” of the ecological well-being conversion process. PCA-DEA, the network super-efficiency Epsilon-based measure (Network SEBM) model, and Geodetector are used to dynamically measure the EWP in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area (TGRA) from 2010 to 2020 and analyze its spatial and temporal characteristics and influencing factors. The results show that (1) temporally, the EWP in the TGRA shows an increasing trend from 2010 to 2020, but the overall level is low. Spatially, it shows a high pattern in the east and low in the west, and spatial differences are gradually decreasing; (2) ecological economic efficiency is significantly lower than economic well-being efficiency, and ecological economic efficiency is the main reason limiting the improvement in EWP in the TGRA. The ecological well-being situation of the TGRA is not optimistic; (3) there is an overall problem of excessive ecological input and insufficient per-capita GDP and well-being output in the TGRA, and decisions should be made according to local conditions; (4) the level of economic development has an EWP level that plays a dominant role and also has a greater relationship with the policy system, socioeconomic conditions, and natural environment.
Pathways to Suicide among Police in Rajasthan: Perceptions and Experiences of Police Personnel
Authors: Krayer Anne , Kulhari Seema , Sharma Vimal , Robinson Catherine
Published: January 2023

Background: Evidence regarding the experience and perceptions of police personnel with suicide in South Asia is limited. This study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of suicide among police personnel in an Indian state. The focus was on explanations of and reasons for suicide. Methods: We conducted 20 qualitative interviews in 2021 with police of different ranks, guided by a topic guide. The reflexive thematic analysis approach was supported by the use of NVivo 12, a qualitative software package. Results: We explore three intersecting key themes around suicide in the police force, including: (1) the stressful police environment; (2) expectations of mental strength; and (3) police image and help-seeking. We discuss the tensions between these themes and how to address the challenges of supporting police personnel. Conclusions: To support and improve police personnel’s mental well-being training and support are needed but also broader changes at the organisational level. These need to take social and historical factors into account. An increased level of suicide and mental health literacy will not only benefit the police force but also the general public, and it would be very timely with recent changes in the Indian mental health and suicide policy context.
The Effect of Zonisamide and Ethanol on Various Types of Memory in Rats
Authors: Pietrzak Bogusława , Krupa-Burtnik Agata , Zwierzyńska Ewa
Published: January 2023

Background: Antiepileptic drugs might be useful in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. One of these drugs is zonisamide, which has been found to decrease alcohol intake and cravings. An important structure in the pathophysiology of addiction is the hippocampus. Memory deficits, which frequently occur in alcoholics, are associated with ethanol-induced changes in hippocampal plasticity and neurogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the potential protective effect of zonisamide on memory in rats receiving alcohol and after the discontinuation of its administration. Methods: Wistar rats (n = 43) were tested in four behavioral models, namely: Morris water maze (MWM), passive avoidance (PA), contextual fear conditioning (CFC), and cued fear conditioning (CuFC). Results: Zonisamide co-administered with ethanol impaired spatial memory in MWM, but the drug did not affect memory in PA. However, the beneficial effect of zonisamide was observed after the discontinuation of ethanol administration, which was associated with the improvement of associative memory in CFC and the alleviation of alcohol-induced locomotor disturbances in CuFC. Conclusion: Zonisamide has a differential influence on memory, which depends inter alia on type of the memory, length of ethanol administration, or its absence.
Analysis of the Relationship between Economic Development and Water Resources–Ecological Management Capacity in China Based on Nighttime Lighting Data
Authors: Wang Mengjiao , Xu Xiaofang , Zheng Liyuan , Xu Xiaolu , Zhang Yukuo
Published: January 2023

Water resources are important factors limiting social and economic development, so how to ensure the coordination between economic development and water resources–ecological management capacity has become a key issue that needs to be addressed urgently for China’s high-quality economic development. This paper used nighttime light data as proxy variables of economic development to calculate the coupling coordination degree between provincial economic development and water resources–ecological management capacity in China from 2004 to 2019 based on the coupling coordination degree model; w constructed a spatial econometric model to explore the spatial correlation and influencing factors between economic development and water resources–ecological management capacity. The results are shown in the following: (1) The overall level of China’s economic development is on an upward trend, but the regional development is unbalanced, showing a decreasing spatial pattern distribution of the eastern coastal region–mid-western region–far-western region. (2) The level of water resources–ecological management capacity is low, and the spatial distribution shows a decreasing trend in the far west–central and western–eastern coastal regions. (3) The level of coupling and coordination between economic development and water resources–ecological management capacity rises from a mild imbalance level to a little imbalance level, and the spatial distribution is consistent with the spatial distribution of economic development. (4) The factors influencing the level of coupling and coordination of inter-provincial economic development and water resources–ecological management capacity in China mainly involve the population scale, technological progress, affluence, and foreign direct investment. Each province and city should take into account its own actual situation and develop targeted measures to promote the coordinated development of economic development and the water resources–ecological management capacity.
Measurement Invariance across Sexual Orientation for Measures of Sexual Attitudes
Authors: Muñoz-García Laura Elvira , Gómez-Berrocal Carmen , Guillén-Riquelme Alejandro , Sierra Juan Carlos
Published: January 2023

Despite the growing interest in the study of sexual attitudes across sexual orientation, few studies have tested whether the instruments used to measure them are invariant. This study examined measurement invariance (configural, weak, strong, and strict) across sexual orientation in three different sexual attitude scales: the Sexual Opinion Survey (SOS) to assess erotophilia, the Hurlbert Index of Sexual Fantasy (HISF) to assess attitudes toward sexual fantasies, and the Negative Attitudes Toward Masturbation Inventory (NATMI) to assess negative attitudes toward masturbation. A total of 2293 Spanish adult men and women with different sexual orientations (i.e., heterosexual, bisexual, and gay) participated in the study. The results indicated strict invariance for HISF across sexual orientation and only weak invariance for SOS and NATMI. Differential item functioning was also found in two items of the NATMI scale. Evidence of validity was provided for the three scales that were studied.
Substance Use and Attendance Motives of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) Event Attendees: A Survey Study
Authors: Van Dyck Edith , Ponnet Koen , Van Havere Tina , Hauspie Bert , Dirkx Nicky , Schrooten Jochen , Waldron Jon , Grabski Meryem , Freeman Tom P. , Curran Helen Valerie , De Neve Jan
Published: January 2023

EDM event attendees are a high-risk population for substance use and associated adverse effects. The aim of this study was to examine substance use at EDM events, focusing on associations between attendance motives and substance use. Sociodemographic characteristics, event specifics, past-year use, and attendance motives were assessed through an online survey. Participants were 1345 Belgian EDM event attendees (69.44% male, Mage = 22.63, SDage = 4.03). Ecstasy/MDMA/Molly (52.28%), other synthetic hallucinogens (53.68%), ketamine (42.13%), amphetamines (40.45%), and alkyl nitrites (poppers) (32.76%) were most frequently used at festivals/outdoor parties/raves. In nightclubs, cocaine (32.29%) was shown to be prevalent as well, while other synthetic hallucinogens (15.79%) were less often consumed. At events with a more private character, cannabis (68.88%) and magic mushrooms (66.44%) were most frequently used. Aside from alcohol (47.76%), substance use in pubs/bars was negligible. Overall enjoyment was demonstrated to be the key attendance motive, which was succeeded by those relating to music and socialization. A wide range of motives proved to be more important to users (e.g., dance, exploration, escapism, excitement, alcohol, drugs) than non-users, while some were associated with the use of particular substances. The prevalence of substance use was shown to be dependent on the specifics of the setting. Moreover, the idea of a three-dimensional classification of the most principal motives for music event attendance was supported. Finally, correlations were estimated between attendance motives and substance use as well as specific substances. Results could enable more tailored approaches in prevention and harm reduction efforts as well as event management strategies.
A New Gain Spiral at Work: Relationships between Virtuous Organizational Practices, Psychological Capital, and Well-Being of Workers
Authors: Aubouin-Bonnaventure Julia , Fouquereau Evelyne , Coillot Hélène , Lahiani Fadi-Joseph , Chevalier Séverine
Published: January 2023

Identifying antecedents of well-being at work is an active field of research, focusing notably on organizational practices that promote employees’ optimal health. To date, whereas studies have demonstrated that some organizational practices, considered in isolation, are positively associated with indicators of well-being, none tested the joint effect of a bundle of practices on these. Moreover, few studies have examined the psychological mechanisms underlying these relationships. The present study aimed to identify the relationships between virtuous organizational practices, a new psychological integrative construct, and three indicators of workers’ hedonic, eudaimonic, and social well-being, namely job satisfaction, thriving at work, and work–life balance, and to test the mediational role of psychological capital in these relationships. The sample comprised 400 French employees working in non-profit, private, and public organizations. Structural equation modeling confirmed the direct effects of virtuous organizational practices on the three indicators of well-being, and a bootstrapping procedure demonstrated that psychological capital partially mediates these relationships. The results of this study have many practical applications because virtuous organizational practices can easily be implemented and optimized in work organizations to develop the individual resources of workers and, in detail, to promote their psychological well-being. Finally, the contributions of this study, avenues for future research, and limitations are discussed.
Prevalence, Patterns, and Clinical Severity of Long COVID among Chinese Medicine Telemedicine Service Users: Preliminary Results from a Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ho Fai Fai , Xu Shanshan , Kwong Talos Ming Hong , Li Angus Siu-cheong , Ha Eun Hae , Hua Heyu , Liong Ching , Leung Kwan Chi , Leung Ting Hung , Lin Zhixiu , Wong Samuel Yeung-Shan , Pan Faming , Chung Vincent Chi Ho
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The emergence and persistence of symptoms after acute COVID-19 is expected to become a major burden on healthcare systems. We assessed the features of the post-COVID-19 Syndrome (Long COVID) burden in a cohort of COVID-19 patients during the fifth major wave in Hong Kong. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 135 patients with confirmed COVID-19 from Feb to Apr 2022 who utilized traditional Chinese medicine telemedicine services was conducted. The COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale was administered using an online survey 12 weeks after the COVID-19 infection. Prevalence of symptom severity and functional impairments were assessed to identify burdens and patterns. The correlation between symptom severity, functional impairments, patient characteristics, and overall health was evaluated. Results: The mean age was 46.8 years, with 46 (34.1%) males. Symptoms, functional impairments, and overall health worsened significantly when compared to the status prior to the infection. More than 50% reported the following sequelae 12 weeks after the acute infection: breathlessness, laryngeal or airway complications, fatigue, weakness, sleep, cognition, and anxiety. The presence of a single symptom or functional impairment significantly correlated with at least seven other problems positively, except for pain. Severity tended to be higher among vulnerable groups, including those who were chronic disease patients, older, less well educated, female, or had incomplete COVID-19 vaccinations. Conclusions: Long COVID is a significant healthcare burden among telemedicine users in Hong Kong, with complex needs for symptom and functional impairment management. Designing relevant health and rehabilitation services tailored to the needs of these patients is warranted.
Research on the Effects of Environmental Factors on the Emission of Volatile Organic Compounds from Plastic Track
Authors: Liu Gan , Zheng Weitao , Wang Hong , Liu Lin , Meng Yanrong , Huang Yu , Ma Yong
Published: January 2023

The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from a plastic track can cause stimulation and damage to the human body; the temperature, relative humidity (RH) and air exchange rate (AER) have a significant impact on the release of VOCs from materials. In this study, we used a 0.1 m3 environmental chamber; a qualitative and quantitative analysis of VOCs released from a plastic track was conducted by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with a temperature range of 23–60 °C, RH of 5–65% and AER of 0.5–1.5 h−1. The formation rate, the speciation, the nature of the main compounds and the mass concentration of VOCs under different environmental conditions were determined. It is shown that with the increase of temperature, the concentration of some main VOCs gradually increased and the Calkane and Coxygenated organic compounds were larger by 736.13 μg·m−3 and 984.22 μg·m−3 at 60 °C, respectively. Additionally, with the increase of RH, the concentration of different VOCs gradually increased. Nonetheless, the change in RH had no effect on the concentration percentage of different VOCs in the total VOC. With the increase in AER, the concentration of different main VOCs significantly declined, as did the VOC detection rate. When the AER was increased from 0.5 h−1 to 1.5 h−1, the Calkane decreased by 206.74–254.21 μg·m−3 and Coxygenated organic compounds decreased by 73.06–241.82 μg·m−3, and the number of non-detected VOC monomers increased from 1 to 7–12 species. The conclusion is that the increase in temperature and RH can promote the emission of VOCs from a plastic track, while increasing AER significantly reduces the concentrations of VOCs. Environmental temperature mainly causes the changes in the concentrations of different VOCs, and RH is a main factor leading to the variation in the detection rate of main VOCs. Overall, the release of VOCs from a plastic track is affected by environmental temperature, AER and RH in sequence. Through this paper, we clarify the effects of ambient temperature, RH and AER on the emission of VOCs from a plastic track, and furthermore, we determine the release characteristics of plastic track VOCs.
The Health Education and Training (HEAT) Corps: A Medical–Community Collaboration Response during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Galiatsatos Panagis , Jones Vanya , Bryan Jacqueline , Brown Meghan , Banks Olivia , Martin Brittany , Collins Megan , Ling Catherine , Levin Mindi B. , Johnson Audrey , Wilson Alicia , Anderson Annette
Published: January 2023

With the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, many elements of society were faced with attempting to assimilate public health recommendations for infectious control. Vital social organizations had to balance delivering their social services while attempting to stay up to date with COVID-19 information and comply with evolving regulations. In the realm of schools and school systems, guidance on how to best adapt to COVID-19 was often limited. School officials and staff had to assist with multiple public health crises as a consequence of the pandemic, from the pandemic’s transmission prevention strategies (e.g., face masks and physical distancing) to the recognition that students would have personal tragedies related to COVID-19. In this review, we highlight the process and feasibility of implementing an international COVID-19 school-based initiative over two years of the pandemic, the Health Education and Training (HEAT) Corps program.
Origin and Enrichment Mechanisms of Salinity and Fluoride in Sedimentary Aquifers of Datong Basin, Northern China
Authors: Wang Xianguo , Weerasinghe Ranpatiyalage Nishamani Nuwandika , Su Chunli , Wang Mengzhu , Jiang Jiaqi
Published: January 2023

The exposure of inhabitants to high fluoride and saline groundwater is the main health issue in Datong Basin, Northern China. This study aims to elucidate the spatial distribution and the mechanisms of high fluoride and salinity occurrence in the shallow sedimentary aquifers of the Datong Basin. Groundwater salinity and fluoride content, and their association with measured hydrochemical parameters, were conducted using multivariate statistical analyses. The analytical results revealed that the concentrations of fluoride and total dissolved solids (TDS) show dramatic variations within the study area. Around 41.4% of groundwater samples contained high-level fluoride concentration (F− > 1.5 mg/L), whereas 32.8% contained elevated-level TDS (TDS > 1000 mg/L). Both fluoride and TDS concentrations had elevated trends towards the central part of the basin. Shallow groundwater was seriously affected by evaporation and evapotranspiration, which can be the critical factors responsible for rather high TDS and F− concentrations in shallow aquifers. Water–rock reactions including silicate hydrolysis, dissolution–precipitation of carbonates and evaporates, adsorption, and ion exchange processes, as well as evapotranspiration, are the main governing factors for salinity and fluoride enrichment in groundwater. Solubility control of F-bearing and carbonate minerals is the dominant mechanism affecting F− levels. Prevailing conditions of alkaline pH, moderate TDS and Na+, high HCO3−, and lower Ca2+ content facilitate the enrichment of fluoride in the study area. Excessive evapotranspiration can be also the most influencing factor responsible for high fluoride and TDS content, due to the extended residence time of groundwater and the arid climate of the central part of the Datong Basin.
Therapist Voices on a Youth Mental Health Pilot: Responsiveness to Diversity and Therapy Modality
Authors: Mathieson Fiona , Garrett Sue , Stubbe Maria , Hilder Jo , Tester Rachel , Fedchuk Dasha , Dunlop Abby , Dowell Anthony
Published: January 2023

This article explores therapists’ views on a large youth mental health pilot project (for 18–25-year-olds), which included an individual cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)-informed individual therapy component. Therapists’ views on cultural responsiveness, therapy (delivery, modality and duration) and working with LGBTQIA+ youth were explored using two surveys, individual interviews and focus groups at various stages of the life of the pilot. Some therapists saw the CBT approach as imposed on them, preferring familiar therapy modalities. Many therapists were positive toward CBT for its client-centered approach and reported using CBT-informed approaches with many of their clients to good effect. Some therapists felt pressured by their workplace to see clients for fewer sessions than they needed. Therapists wanted to see a more culturally diverse workforce, to increase their cultural competence through training and to have more easily available cultural supervision. There was some acknowledgement of the importance of training therapists to work competently with LGBTQIA+ young people. Involving therapists in co-design of services from the outset will likely benefit future service development.
Transcriptomics Analysis of the Toxicological Impact of Enrofloxacin in an Aquatic Environment on the Chinese Mitten Crab (Eriocheir sinensis)
Authors: Wang Qiaona , Xu Ziling , Wang Ying , Huo Guangming , Zhang Xing , Li Jianmei , Hua Chun , Li Shengjie , Zhou Feng
Published: January 2023

Enrofloxacin is an important antimicrobial drug that is widely used in aquaculture. Enrofloxacin residues can have negative effects on aquatic environments and animals. The toxicological effects of different concentrations of enrofloxacin residues in cultured water on Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) were compared. A histological analysis of the E. sinensis hepatopancreas demonstrated that the hepatopancreas was damaged by the different enrofloxacin residue concentrations. The hepatopancreas transcriptome results revealed that 1245 genes were upregulated and that 1298 genes were downregulated in the low-concentration enrofloxacin residue group. In the high-concentration enrofloxacin residue group, 380 genes were upregulated, and 529 genes were downregulated. The enrofloxacin residues led to differentially expressed genes related to the immune system and metabolic processes in the hepatopancreas of the Chinese mitten crab, such as the genes for alkaline phosphatase, NF-kappa B inhibitor alpha, alpha-amylase, and beta-galactosidase-like. The gene ontology terms “biological process” and “molecular function” were enriched in the carboxylic acid metabolic process, DNA replication, the synthesis of RNA primers, the transmembrane transporter activity, the hydrolase activity, and the oxidoreductase activity. A Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis determined that the immune and metabolic signal transduction pathways were significantly enriched. Furthermore, the nonspecific immune enzyme (alkaline phosphatase) and the metabolic enzyme system played a role in the enrofloxacin metabolism in the E. sinensis hepatopancreas. These findings helped us to further understand the basis of the toxicological effects of enrofloxacin residues on river crabs and provided valuable information for the better utilization of enrofloxacin in aquatic water environments.
Reflections on Digital Maternal and Child Health Support for Mothers and Community Health Workers in Rural Areas of Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Muthelo Livhuwani , Mbombi Masenyani Oupa , Bopape Mamare Adelaide , Mothiba Tebogo M. , Densmore Melissa , van Heerden Alastair , Norris Shane A. , Dias Nervo Verdezoto , Griffiths Paula , Mackintosh Nicola
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Digital health support using mobile and digital technologies, such as MomConnect and WhatsApp, is providing opportunities to improve maternal and child healthcare in low- and middle-income countries. Yet, the perspective of health service providers, pregnant women, and mothers as recipients of digital health support is under-researched in rural areas. Material and Methods: An exploratory-descriptive qualitative research approach was adopted to reflect on the experiences of mothers, community leaders, and community health workers on mobile health opportunities in the context of maternal and child health in rural areas. Purposive sampling was used to select 18 participants who participated in the two focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews for data collection about digital maternal and child health support. The thematic open coding method of data analysis assisted authors in making sense of the given reflections of mothers, community leaders, and healthcare workers about digital health support. Results: Participants commented on different existing digital support apps and their importance for maternal and child health. For example, MoMConnect, Pregnancy+, WhatsApp, and non-digital resources were perceived as useful ways of communication that assist in improving maternal and child health. However, participants reported several challenges related to the use of digital platforms, which affect following the health instructions given to pregnant women and mothers. Conclusions: Participants expressed the significant role of digital support apps in maternal and child health, which is impacted by various challenges. Addressing the lack of digital resources could improve access to health instructions for pregnant women and mothers.
Determining the Relationship of Meteorological Factors and Severe Pediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection in Central Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Chan Chee Mun , Wahab Asrul Abdul , Ali Adli
Published: January 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common pathogen causing viral respiratory tract infections among younger children worldwide. The influence of meteorological factors on RSV seasonal activity is well-established for temperate countries; however, in subtropical countries such as Malaysia, relatively stable temperate climates do not clearly support this trend, and the available data are contradictory. Better understanding of meteorological factors and seasonality of RSV will allow effective strategic health management relating to RSV infection, particularly immunoprophylaxis of high-risk infants with palivizumab. Retrospectively, from 2017 to 2021, we examined the association between various meteorological factors (rainfall, rainy days, temperature, and relative humidity) and the incidence of RSV in children aged less than 12 years in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. RSV activity peaked in two periods (July to August and October to December), which was significantly correlated with the lowest rainfall (p < 0.007) and number of rainy days (p < 0.005). RSV prevalence was also positively associated with temperature (p < 0.006) and inversely associated with relative humidity (p < 0.006). Based on our findings, we recommend that immunoprophylaxis with palivizumab be administered in children aged less than 2 years where transmission of RSV is postulated to be the highest after the end of two monsoon seasons.
An Evaluation of Indoor Sex Workers’ Sexual Health Access in Metro Vancouver: Applying an Occupational Health & Safety Lens in the Context of Criminalization
Authors: Pearson Jennie , Machat Sylvia , McDermid Jennifer , Goldenberg Shira M. , Krüsi Andrea
Published: January 2023

The criminalization of sex work has been consistently shown to undermine workers’ Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), including sexual health. Drawing on the ‘Guide to OHS in the New Zealand Sex Industry’ (the Guide), we assessed barriers to sexual health best practices among indoor sex workers in Metro Vancouver, Canada, in the context of ongoing criminalization. Part of a longstanding community-based study, this analysis drew on 47 qualitative interviews (2017–2018) with indoor sex workers and third parties. Participants’ narratives were analyzed drawing on a social determinants of health framework and on the Guide with specific focus on sexual health. Our findings suggest that sex workers and third parties utilize many sexual health strategies, including use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and peer-driven sexual health education. However, participant narratives demonstrate how structural factors such as criminalization, immigration, and stigma limit the accessibility of additional OHS best practices outlined in the Guide and beyond, including access to non-stigmatizing sexual health assessments, and distribution of diverse PPE by third parties. Our current study supports the need for full decriminalization of sex work, including im/migrant sex work, to allow for the uptake of OHS guidelines that support the wellbeing and autonomy of all sex workers.
Characteristics of Emergencies in the Workplace from the Perspective of the Emergency Medical Services: A 4-Year Case-Control Study
Authors: Mitura Krzysztof Marek , Celiński Daniel , Jastrzębski Paweł , Leszczyński Piotr Konrad , Gałązkowski Robert , Szajda Sławomir Dariusz
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Accidents and emergencies in the workplace account for a significant proportion of emergency calls worldwide. The specificity of these events is often associated with hazards at a given workplace. Patients do not always require hospitalization; therefore, the characteristics of events can only be determined from the perspective of emergency medical services teams. The aim of the study was to analyze calls and the course of emergency ambulance interventions to patients at their workplace. Material and methods: The study was conducted based on a retrospective analysis of data contained in the medical records of the ambulance service from central Poland from 2015–2018. From all interventions (n = 155,993), 1601 calls to work were selected, and the urgency code, time of day and year, patients’ sex, general condition, as well as diagnoses according to the International Classification of Diseases—ICD-10 and the method of ending the call were considered. Results: The mean age of patients in the study group was 42.4 years (SD ± 13.5). The majority were men (n = 918; 57.3%). The number of calls increased in the autumn (n = 457; 28.5%) and in the morning (n = 609; 38.0%). The main reasons for the intervention were illnesses (ICD-10 group: R—‘symptoms’) and injuries (ICD-10 group: S, T—‘injuries’). Calls at workplaces most often ended with the patient being transported to the hospital (78.8%), and least often with his death (0.8%). Conclusions: The patient profile in the workplace indicates middle-aged men who fall ill in the fall, requiring transport to the hospital and further diagnostics.
The Application of Machine Learning: Controlling the Preparation of Environmental Materials and Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Wang Zhenxing , Yu Yunjun , Roy Kallol , Gao Cheng , Huang Lei
Published: January 2023

The greenhouse effect is a severe global problem [...]
The Nonlinear Impact of Mobile Human Activities on Vegetation Change in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area
Authors: Liu Qionghuan , Guo Renzhong , Huang Zhengdong , He Biao , Li Xiaoming
Published: January 2023

Vegetation is essential for ecosystem function and sustainable urban development. In the context of urbanization, the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), as the typical urban-dominated region, has experienced a remarkable increase in social and economic activities. Their impact on vegetation is of great significance but unclear, as interannual flow data and linear methods have limitations. Therefore, in this study, we used human and vehicle flow data to build and simulate the indices of mobile human activity. In addition, we used partial least squares regression (PLSR), random forest (RF), and geographical detector (GD) models to analyze the impact of mobile human activities on vegetation change. The results showed that indices of mobile human and vehicle flow increased by 1.43 and 7.68 times from 2000 to 2019 in the GBA, respectively. Simultaneously, vegetation increased by approximately 64%, whereas vegetation decreased mainly in the urban areas of the GBA. Vegetation change had no significant linear correlation with mobile human activities, exhibiting a regression coefficient below 0.1 and a weight of coefficients of PLSR less than 40 between vegetation change and all the factors of human activities. However, a more significant nonlinear relationship between vegetation change and driving factors were obtained. In the RF regression model, vegetation decrease was significantly affected by mobile human activity of vehicle flow, with an importance score of 108.11. From the GD method, vegetation decrease was found to mainly interact with indices of mobile human and vehicle inflow, and the highest interaction force was 0.82. These results may support the attainment of sustainable social–ecological systems and global environmental change.
Ageing and Keeping Pace with Technology: A Grounded Theory Study on Blind Adults’ Experiences of Adapting to New Technologies
Authors: Betlej Alina , Gondek Jan , Gondek Natalia
Published: January 2023

This study investigated blind adults’ experiences of adapting to digital technologies. The authors’ focus was on how they have been experiencing changes implied by digital transformation, which provided the starting point for assessing their prospects and/or limitations for self-development through new technologies in the future. The second point concerned designing technologies for blind adults by adding questions about their specific needs and expectations for digital device designers. To develop these main issues, we planned a qualitative grounded theory study in which 16 blind adults were individually interviewed. It aimed to provide rich descriptions of a selected phenomenon. The research analysis was conducted by using the sociological and philosophical methods, which provided insights into the social assessment of digital development for ageing by blind adults. The data analysis revealed five distinct categories that captured these experiences and expectations: (1) wishing to learn—“Digital technology gives me privacy and independence”; (2) having to learn—“If you do not have new digital devices or do not know how to use them, you end up on the margins of society”; (3) being socially excluded—“Designers of new technologies do not think about blind adults”; (4) fearing to stop understanding—“Technological development is too rapid, it is difficult to be on time while ageing”; and (5) waiting for the changes—“I hope my situation will change in the future”. Together, these five categories form the basis of the core category “Ageing and keeping pace with technology”, which encapsulates the initial adaptation experiences of the interviewees to the technological development. The findings indicate that the blind adults experienced digital devices as tools for improving their well-being, but they also saw them as posing the threat of being socially excluded because of new technology designs and accessibility barriers.
Comparing Changes in IPV Risk by Age Group over Time in Conflict-Affected Northeast Nigeria
Authors: Ogunbiyi Bolatito , Maclin Beth , Bingenheimer Jeffrey , Vyas Amita
Published: January 2023

Increased risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been well documented among women and girls living in conflict zones. However, how residence in a conflict area differentially impacts adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) compared to older women is less understood. This paper examines whether the levels of IPV changed more among AGYW compared to older women in six Boko Haram (BH)-affected States in Nigeria. The Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data was used to compare the level of the three types of IPV (emotional, physical, and sexual) among AGYW compared to older women before and during the BH conflict (2008 and 2018). We ran a multiple linear regression model with an interaction term for ever-partnered female respondents living in six Northeast States, adjusting for relevant covariates. A significantly higher proportion of both older and younger women reported experiencing emotional and sexual IPV in 2018 than in 2008, with a higher increase reported among AGYW. Sexual IPV increased by six percentage points more among AGYW compared to older women. AGYW in the BH-affected States are more vulnerable to experiencing sexual IPV relative to older women. This study highlights the need for youth-focused IPV interventions in the BH-affected States.
The Impact of an Electronic Medication Management System on Medication Deviations on Admission and Discharge from Hospital
Authors: Vaghasiya Milan R. , Poon Simon K. , Gunja Naren , Penm Jonathan
Published: January 2023

Medication errors at transition of care remain a concerning issue. In recent times, the use of integrated electronic medication management systems (EMMS) has caused a reduction in medication errors, but its effectiveness in reducing medication deviations at transition of care has not been studied in hospital-wide settings in Australia. The aim of this study is to assess medication deviations, such as omissions and mismatches, pre-EMMS and post-EMMS implementation at transition of care across a hospital. In this study, patient records were reviewed retrospectively to identify medication deviations (medication omissions and medication mismatches) at admission and discharge from hospital. A total of 400 patient records were reviewed (200 patients in the pre-EMMS and 200 patients in the post-EMMS group). Out of 400 patients, 112 in the pre-EMMS group and 134 patients in post-EMMS group met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. A total of 105 out of 246 patients (42.7%) had any medication deviations on their medications. In the pre-EMMS group, 59 out of 112 (52.7%) patients had any deviations on their medications compared to 46 out of 134 patients (34.3%) from the post-EMMS group (p = 0.004). The proportion of patients with medication omitted from inpatient orders was 36.6% in the pre-EMMS cohort vs. 22.4% in the post-EMMS cohort (p = 0.014). Additionally, the proportion of patients with mismatches in medications on the inpatient charts compared to their medication history was 4.5% in the pre-EMMS group compared to 0% in the post-EMMS group (p = 0.019). Similarly, the proportion of patients with medications omitted from their discharge summary was 23.2% in the pre-EMMS group vs. 12.7% in the post-EMMS group (p = 0.03). Our study demonstrates a reduction in medication deviations after the implementation of the EMMS in hospital settings.
Verification of the Effectiveness of a Communication Application in Improving Social Connectedness and Physical Health among Unacquainted Older Men: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
Authors: Shinokawa Sakino , Abe Hiroki , Takashima Risa , Onishi Ryuta , Hirano Michiyo
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of an application (app) in establishing social connectedness among unacquainted older men, as well as improving their physical health. The nine participants were men aged 65 and older in the subarctic zone of Hokkaido, Japan. A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted as the study design. A questionnaire survey was completed before and after the intervention, and a semi-structured interview was conducted after the intervention. An app-installed smartphone was loaned to the participants, which allowed them to share pictures, voice recordings, and their step count. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and qualitative data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis to generate categories. The average age of the participants was 77.7 years. The relationship between participants who were interacting for the first time through the app advanced as their understanding of each other’s personalities deepened. The average step count during the third and fourth months was significantly higher than in the first two months. By using the app, older men were able to build relationships with one another. In addition, visualizing the number of steps on the app was effective in improving the number of steps.