bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quality of Life Surveys as a Method of Obtaining Data for Sustainable City Development—Results of Empirical Research
Authors: Ligarski Mariusz J. , Wolny Maciej
Published: November 2021

Citizens are beginning to play a key role in the development of the smart city concept, providing a wealth of information for the sustainable development of cities. For this research, we planned and conducted empirical studies to examine the areas influencing the quality of life from the point of view of municipalities. A questionnaire form was developed and a survey was conducted on a sample of 84 municipal offices in Poland. We tabulated, statistically processed and analysed the results and thoroughly investigated the areas influencing the quality of life, their impact and importance. We determined which areas of the city are included in municipal research and checked whether there was a need to expand these areas. We found that the people responsible for research in municipal offices are aware that the quality of life is influenced by many areas and conditions. However, these people only choose selected areas for research and have a problem with indicating what can be extended to them. At the end of the article, the limitations of the conducted research are indicated and the directions for further research are proposed.
Optimal Integrated Emission Management through Variable Engine Calibration
Authors: Ritzmann Johannes , Chinellato Oscar , Hutter Richard , Onder Christopher
Published: November 2021

In this work, the potential for improving the trade-off between fuel consumption and tailpipe NOx emissions through variable engine calibration (VEC) is demonstrated for both conventional and hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). First, a preoptimization procedure for the engine operation is proposed to address the challenge posed by the large number of engine control inputs. By excluding infeasible and suboptimal operation offline, an engine model is developed that can be evaluated efficiently during online optimization. Next, dynamic programming is used to find the optimal trade-off between fuel consumption and tailpipe NOx emissions for various vehicle configurations and driving missions. Simulation results show that for a conventional vehicle equipped with VEC and gear optimization run on the worldwide harmonized light vehicles test cycle (WLTC), the fuel consumption can be reduced by 5.4% at equivalent NOx emissions. At equivalent fuel consumption, the NOx emissions can be reduced by 80%. For an HEV, the introduction of VEC, in addition to the optimization of the torque split and the gear selection, drastically extended the achievable trade-off between fuel consumption and tailpipe NOx emissions in simulations. Most notably, the region with very low NOx emissions could only be reached with VEC.
Fundamental Responsiveness in European Electricity Prices
Authors: Seitaridis Michail I. , Thomaidis Nikolaos S. , Biskas Pandelis N.
Published: November 2021

We estimate fundamental pricing relationships in selected European day-ahead electricity markets. Using a fractionally integrated panel data model with unobserved common effects, we quantify the responsiveness of hourly electricity prices to two fundamental leading indicators of day-ahead markets: the predicted load and renewable generation. The application of fractional cointegration analysis techniques gives further insight into the pricing mechanism of power delivery contracts, enabling us to measure the persistence of fundamental shocks.
Schlieren Flow Visualization and Analysis of Synthetic Jets
Authors: Pellessier John E. , Dillon Heather E. , Stoltzfus Wyatt
Published: November 2021

This work explores several low-cost methods for the visualization and analysis of pulsed synthetic jets for cooling applications. The visualization methods tested include smoke, Schlieren imaging, and thermography. The images were analyzed using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) and numerical methods for videos. The results indicated that for the specific nozzle studied, the optimal cooling occurred at a frequency of 80 Hz, which also corresponded to the highest energy in the POD analysis. The combination of Schlieren photography and POD is a unique contribution as a method for the optimization of synthetic jets.
3D Printing of Alginate-Natural Clay Hydrogel-Based Nanocomposites
Authors: Leu Alexa Rebeca , Ianchis Raluca , Savu Diana , Temelie Mihaela , Trica Bogdan , Serafim Andrada , Vlasceanu George Mihail , Alexandrescu Elvira , Preda Silviu , Iovu Horia
Published: November 2021

Biocompatibility, biodegradability, shear tinning behavior, quick gelation and an easy crosslinking process makes alginate one of the most studied polysaccharides in the field of regenerative medicine. The main purpose of this study was to obtain tissue-like materials suitable for use in bone regeneration. In this respect, alginate and several types of clay were investigated as components of 3D-printing, nanocomposite inks. Using the extrusion-based nozzle, the nanocomposites inks were printed to obtain 3D multilayered scaffolds. To observe the behavior induced by each type of clay on alginate-based inks, rheology studies were performed on composite inks. The structure of the nanocomposites samples was examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), while the morphology of the 3D-printed scaffolds was evaluated using Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM) and Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT). The swelling and dissolvability of each composite scaffold in phosfate buffer solution were followed as function of time. Biological studies indicated that the cells grew in the presence of the alginate sample containing unmodified clay, and were able to proliferate and generate calcium deposits in MG-63 cells in the absence of specific signaling molecules. This study provides novel information on potential manufacturing methods for obtaining nanocomposite hydrogels suitable for 3D printing processes, as well as valuable information on the clay type selection for enabling accurate 3D-printed constructs. Moreover, this study constitutes the first comprehensive report related to the screening of several natural clays for the additive manufacturing of 3D constructs designed for bone reconstruction therapy.
When Enough Is Really Enough? On the Minimum Number of Landslides to Build Reliable Susceptibility Models
Authors: Titti Giacomo , van Westen Cees , Borgatti Lisa , Pasuto Alessandro , Lombardo Luigi
Published: November 2021

Mapping existing landslides is a fundamental prerequisite to build any reliable susceptibility model. From a series of landslide presence/absence conditions and associated landscape characteristics, a binary classifier learns how to distinguish potentially stable and unstable slopes. In data rich areas where landslide inventories are available, addressing the collection of these can already be a challenging task. However, in data scarce contexts, where geoscientists do not get access to pre-existing inventories, the only solution is to map landslides from scratch. This operation can be extremely time-consuming if manually performed or prone to type I errors if done automatically. This is even more exacerbated if done over large geographic regions. In this manuscript we examine the issue of mapping requirements for west Tajikistan where no complete landslide inventory is available. The key question is: How many landslides should be required to develop reliable landslide susceptibility models based on statistical modeling? In fact, for such a wide and extremely complex territory, the collection of an inventory that is sufficiently detailed requires a large investment in time and human resources. However, at which point of the mapping procedure, would the resulting susceptibility model produce significantly better results as compared to a model built with less information? We addressed this question by implementing a binomial Generalized Additive Model trained and validated with different landslide proportions and measured the induced variability in the resulting susceptibility model. The results of this study are very site-specific but we proposed a very functional protocol to investigate a problem which is underestimated in the literature.
On the Thermal Resilience of Venetian Open Spaces
Authors: Gherri Barbara , Maiullari Daniela , Finizza Chiara , Maretto Marco , Naboni Emanuele
Published: November 2021

Venice is known for its urban heritage fragility. The city is experiencing an increase in yearly average temperatures affecting outdoor–indoor comfort and average energy expenditure. Owing to existing literature demonstrating how local microclimate depends on urban density, form, and materials, this investigation studies the influence of the changing local climate on Venetian vernacular open spaces, known as Campi. Based on the comparison of contemporary weather and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) future predictions for the 2050 scenario, this investigation highlights how Campi’s open spaces and the surrounding buildings, canals, and green public areas contribute to building climate resilience. By employing advanced modelling, the study analyses microclimate and outdoor comfort with respect to users’ perception of Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET). The ENVI-met tool is used to simulate the thermal behaviour of two representative Campi: SS. Giovanni e Paolo and S. Polo. Despite significant temperature growths, Venetian urban fabric characteristics seem to play a crucial role in strengthening the climate resilience of open spaces, thus preserving outdoor comfort quality in a warmer future. The analysis shows how the historical matrix of open spaces and buildings cooperate. Thus, this study offers a contribution to how built heritage should be considered in light of climate change.
Wide-Area Heritage Projects in Lombardy: From a Mono-Sector to a Multi-Sector Approach
Authors: Boniotti Cristina
Published: November 2021

A public-private partnership (P3) and public-private-people partnership (P4) are amongst the institutional options available when it comes to funding cultural heritage management through the involvement of private players pertaining to the business or third sectors, respectively. In light of the growing relevance of P4 operations as a means to improve heritage management, this paper aims at analyzing the initiatives developed by the Fondazione Cariplo banking foundation, which can be considered exemplary instances of P4. A total of two projects were selected, which go by the name of Distretti Culturali and AttivAree, respectively, and may serve as highly indicative examples of community involvement and multi-sector-oriented action. To conduct a truly realistic analysis and reliably measure the adequacy of the outcomes obtained, interviews with the parties involved were performed and direct participation in the projects was provided for. Considering, also, that funding has, so far, typically been aimed at interventions on individual buildings, the foundation has managed to develop some true cross-sector programs, and thus further refine the multi-sector approach most likely to prove useful in future community-centered initiatives. Herein, some of the features are isolated; those which we deem most suitable for adoption in the planning of future cultural heritage-related projects.
Towards Differentiated Energy Renovation Strategies for Heritage-Designated Multifamily Building Stocks
Authors: Eriksson Petra , Johansson Tim
Published: November 2021

The historic building stock is not homogeneous, which implies a need for differentiated energy renovation strategies in order to balance energy efficiency requirements and building conservation goals. This paper presents a new method for developing a base for differentiated energy renovation strategies for heritage-classified multifamily building stocks. Our suggested method combines different building databases using an extract, transform and load (ETL) technology. The method for this study was tested on the available information for heritage-designated and -classified multifamily buildings in the municipality of Stockholm, Sweden, and in the county of Halland, Sweden. The two cases reflect the heterogeneity of the Swedish Building stock. An important achievement is that the results visualise the relationship, not detectable before, between energy use, energy performance, year of construction and heritage classification within each of the selected building stocks. A specific result is that the energy-saving potential in the older building stock is insignificant in relation to the entire stock. The results contribute to an improved understanding of relationships both within and between the two historic building stocks, which is useful for developing differentiated energy renovation strategies.
Integrating Remote and In-Situ Data to Assess the Hydrological Response of a Post-Fire Watershed
Authors: Folador Luca , Cislaghi Alessio , Vacchiano Giorgio , Masseroni Daniele
Published: November 2021

Forest fire is a common concern in Mediterranean watersheds. Fire-induced canopy mortality may cause the degradation of chemical–physical properties in the soil and influence hydrological processes within and across watersheds. However, the prediction of the pedological and hydrological effect of forest fires with heterogenous severities across entire watersheds remains a difficult task. A large forest fire occurred in 2017 in northern Italy providing the opportunity to test an integrated approach that exploits remote and in-situ data for assessing the impact of forest fires on the hydrological response of semi-natural watersheds. The approach is based on a combination of remotely-sensed information on burned areas and in-situ measurements of soil infiltration in burned areas. Such collected data were used to adapt a rainfall–runoff model over an experimental watershed to produce a comparative evaluation of flood peak and volume of runoff in pre- and post-fire conditions. The model is based on a semi-distributed approach that exploits the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) and lag-time methods for the estimation of hydrological losses and runoff propagation, respectively, across the watershed. The effects of fire on hydrological losses were modeled by adjusting the CN values for different fire severities. Direct infiltration measurements were carried out to better understand the effect of fire on soil infiltration capacity. We simulated the hydrological response of the burned watershed following one of the most severe storm events that had hit the area in the last few years. Fire had serious repercussions in regard to the hydrological response, increasing the flood peak and the runoff volume up to 125% and 75%, respectively. Soil infiltration capacity was seriously compromised by fire as well, reducing unsaturated hydraulic conductivity up to 75% compared with pre-fire conditions. These findings can provide insights into the impact of forest fires on the hydrological response of a whole watershed and improve the assessment of surface runoff alterations suffered by a watershed in post-fire conditions.
Exploring Readiness for Birth Control in Improving Women Health Status: Factors Influencing the Adoption of Modern Contraceptives Methods for Family Planning Practices
Authors: Shah Adnan Muhammad , Lee KangYoon , Nisa Mir Javaria
Published: November 2021

Background: Pakistan is the world’s sixth most populated country, with a population of approximately 208 million people. Despite this, just 25% of legitimate couples say they have used modern contraceptive methods. A large body of literature has indicated that sexual satisfaction is a complex and multifaceted concept, since it involves physical and cultural components. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of influencing factors in terms of contraceptive self-efficacy (CSE), contraceptive knowledge, and spousal communication on the adoption of modern contraceptive methods for family planning (FP) under the moderating role of perceived barriers. Methods: Data were collected using an adopted questionnaire issued to married women of reproductive age belonging to the Rawalpindi and Neelum Valley regions in Pakistan. The sample consisted of 250 married women of reproductive age. SPSS was used to analyze the respondents’ feedback. Results: The findings draw public attention towards CSE, contraceptive knowledge, and spousal communication, because these factors can increase the usage of modern methods for FP among couples, leading to a reduction in unwanted pregnancies and associated risks. Regarding the significant moderation effect of perceived barriers, if individuals (women) are highly motivated (CSE) to overcome perceived barriers by convincing their husbands to use contraceptives, the probability to adopt modern contraceptive methods for FP practices is increased. Conclusions: Policymakers should formulate strategies for the involvement of males by designing male-oriented FP program interventions and incorporating male FP workers to reduce communication barriers between couples. Future research should address several other important variables, such as the desire for additional child, myths/misconceptions, fear of side effects, and partner/friend discouragement, which also affect the adoption of modern contraceptive methods for FP practices.
Physiological Profile, Metabolic Response and Temporal Structure in Elite Individual Table Tennis: Differences According to Gender
Authors: Pradas Francisco , de la Torre Ana , Castellar Carlos , Toro-Román Víctor
Published: November 2021

No research that has analyzed the structural characteristics, physiological profile, and energy demands in the game of table tennis as played by women is available. The present study aimed to evaluate the physiological, metabolic, and temporal variables of table tennis players and to observe gender differences. Forty-eight elite table tennis players participated in this study: 24 men (25.3 ± 4.07 years) and 24 women (22.3 ± 3.8 years). During simulated competition, temporal structure, heart rate (HR), and lactate (LA) were evaluated. The maximum ergospirometric evaluations were performed in a laboratory. The total table tennis (TT) time and the total resting time (TRT) were longer for men (p < 0.05), but game density was higher for women (p < 0.05). During rallies, the real playing time (RPT) was longer for women, while the TRT was longer for men (p < 0.05). The maximum HR, minimum HR, and maximum LA concentrations were higher for men (p < 0.05). The obtained data reveal gender differences in the physiological, metabolic, structural, and temporal variables in table tennis players. The analysis of the studied variables could allow training sessions to be planned and organized according to table tennis players’ gender.
Systematic Review of Cost-Effectiveness of Injury Prevention Interventions in Soccer—Evidence Why Health Agencies Should Address It
Authors: Grygorowicz Monika , Wiernicka Martyna , Wiernicka Marzena
Published: November 2021

Soccer injuries are a recognized problem worldwide. Several injury prevention programs have been confirmed to reduce the number of injuries in female and male players. Unfortunately, there is a lack of data about their cost, burden, and benefit for the health care system. In this paper we aim to systematically review the literature and critically evaluate the economic quality of injury prevention interventions implemented across different populations of soccer players. Web of Science, Medline, SPORTDiscus, Ovid, and other databases were searched from January 2011 through July 2021. Research articles were only selected for analysis if they focused on the cost-effectiveness of injury prevention, were experimental papers written in English, and were published following the peer-review process. Three cluster RCT and one retrospective study met the criteria. Cost data on incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were extracted. The included studies had a good/average quality of economic evaluation. Based on ICERs, injury prevention interventions were cost-effective in three out of the three comparisons. One study did not report the ICER value. However, since economic analyses were reported with varying methodological approaches and results, more data are required to recognize the cost-effectiveness of soccer-specific injury prevention interventions and their benefit for the health care system.
Outcomes and Critical Factors for Successful Implementation of Organizational Health Literacy Interventions: A Scoping Review
Authors: Kaper Marise S. , Sixsmith Jane , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , de Winter Andrea F.
Published: November 2021

Organizational health literacy (OHL)-interventions can reduce inequality and demands in health care encountered by patients. However, an overview of their impact and critical factors for organization-wide implementation is lacking. The aim of this scoping review is to summarize the evidence on: (1) the outcomes of OHL-interventions at patient, professional and organizational levels; and (2) the factors and strategies that affect implementation and outcomes of OHL-interventions. We reviewed empirical studies following the five-stage framework of Arksey and O’Malley. The databases Scopus, PubMed, PsychInfo and CINAHL were searched from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2019, focusing on OHL-interventions using terms related to “health literacy”, “health care organization” and “intervention characteristics”. After a full-text review, we selected 24 descriptive stu-dies. Of these, 23 studies reported health literacy problems in relation to OHL-assessment tools. Nine out of thirteen studies reported that the use of interventions resulted in positive changes on OHL-domains regarding comprehensible communication, professionals’ competencies and practices, and strategic organizational changes. Organization-wide OHL-interventions resulted in some improvement of patient outcomes but evidence was scarce. Critical factors for organization-wide implementation of OHL-interventions were leadership support, top-down and bottom-up approaches, a change champion, and staff commitment. Organization-wide interventions lead to more positive change on OHL-domains, but evidence regarding OHL-outcomes needs strengthening.
Affordances for Motor Development in the Home Environment for Young Children with and without CHARGE Syndrome
Authors: Beach Pamela , Perreault Melanie , Lieberman Lauren
Published: November 2021

Affordances in the home environment are critical to early motor development. Currently, the home environment has not been examined in children with deafblindness or severe disabilities. The present study examined differences in, and relationships between, the home environment and motor development in children with and without CHARGE syndrome. CHARGE syndrome is a low-incidence, complex disorder with sensory and motor impairments. Participants included 28 parents of children with CHARGE syndrome and 32 parents of children without disabilities. Children with CHARGE syndrome achieved motor milestones significantly later and had fewer outside space affordances than children without disabilities. Older children had a greater variety of stimulation and fine motor toys, and those that achieved independent walking later had more outside space and fine and gross motor toys. Early experiences may be more important for children with CHARGE syndrome than children without disabilities. Moreover, parents can play a vital role in their children’s motor development to help them reach their motor milestones.
Relationships between Participation in Volunteer-Managed Exercises, Distance to Exercise Facilities, and Interpersonal Social Networks in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Japan
Authors: Soma Yuki , Sato Ayane , Tsunoda Kenji , Kitano Naruki , Jindo Takashi , Abe Takumi , Okura Tomohiro
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to examine the factors related to participation in volunteer-managed preventive care exercises by focusing on the distance to exercise facilities and interpersonal social networks. A postal mail survey was conducted in 2013 in Kasama City in a rural region of Japan. Older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) who were living independently (n = 16,870) were targeted. Potential participants who were aware of silver-rehabili taisou exercise (SRTE) and/or square-stepping exercise (SSE) were included in the analysis (n = 4005). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that social and environmental factors were associated with participation in SRTE and SSE. After adjusting for confounding variables, exercise participation was negatively associated with an extensive distance from an exercise facility in both sexes for SRTE and SSE. Among women, participation in SRTE was negatively associated with weak interpersonal social networks (odds ratio (OR) = 0.57), and participation in SRTE and SSE was negatively associated with being a car passenger (SRTE, OR = 0.76; SSE, OR = 0.60). However, there were no significant interactions between sex and social and environmental factors. Our findings suggest the importance of considering location and transportation to promote participation in preventive care exercise.
Does Living with Grandparents Affect Children’s and Adolescents’ Health? Evidence from China
Authors: Yu Jian , Zhang Zhonggen
Published: November 2021

The level of nutritional health of children and adolescents is an important indicator of social development, and grandparents, as common co-caregivers, may have a considerable impact on the health level of their grandchildren. In this paper, we investigated the effects of grandparents’ coresidence on children’s and adolescents’ nutritional health levels using the CHNS (China Health and Nutrition Survey) database using the PSM (Propensity Score Matching) method’ and identified heterogeneity in the effects of grandparents’ coresidence by PSM grouping in terms of urban and rural areas, age, and the mothers’ education level. It was found that grandparents’ coresidence is beneficial for children’s and adolescents’ health to a certain extent. Overfeeding and spoil that many people worried when grandparents involved in childcare did not happen in our samples. Moreover, grandparents’ coresidence had a more significant effect on the health level of children and adolescents in rural areas at a younger age and with a lower level of maternal education. Government and families should put more effort into equipping caregivers with knowledge on how to raise their grandchildren better.
Severity of Dementia Is Associated with Increased Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area: Home Visit Survey of People with Cognitive Decline Living in the Community
Authors: Edahiro Ayako , Okamura Tsuyoshi , Motohashi Yoshiko , Takahashi Chika , Meguro Ayami , Sugiyama Mika , Miyamae Fumiko , Taga Tsutomu , Ura Chiaki , Nakayama Riko , Yamashita Mari , Awata Shuichi
Published: November 2021

No studies have measured the periodontal inflamed surface area in people with dementia, although periodontal disease is a major health issue in this group. This study aimed to determine the relationship between dementia severity and periodontal inflamed surface area. An interdisciplinary team, including a dentist and psychiatrist, conducted an in-home survey of older people living in the community. This cross-sectional study was designed as part of a larger cohort study. The interdisciplinary team visited 198 individuals with cognitive decline. We surveyed the clinical dementia rating, periodontal inflamed surface area, number of teeth, and other health issues. We used multiple linear regression analysis to assess the 75 people who were able to take part in all the visits. Number of teeth (Beta = 0.479, p < 0.001), clinical dementia rating (Beta = 0.258, p = 0.013), and age (Beta = 0.250, p = 0.017) were independently associated with periodontal inflamed surface area after adjusting for biological sex, depression, diabetes, collagen disease, visual disorder, and osteoporosis medication. To make communities more dementia-friendly, we must protect older people with dementia from developing poor oral health, which may require home visits for dental assessment.
Magnetism and Grain-Size Distribution of Particles Deposited on the Surface of Urban Trees in Lanzhou City, Northwestern China
Authors: Wang Bo , Zhang Xiaochen , Gu Chenming , Zhang Mei , Zhao Yuanhao , Jia Jia
Published: November 2021

Studies on the variation in the particulate matter (PM) content, Saturation Isothermal Remanent Magnetization (SIRM), and particle grain-size distribution at a high spatial resolution are helpful in evaluating the important role of urban forests in PM removal. In this study, the trees located in dense urban forests (T0) retained more PM than trees located in open spaces (T1–T4); the SIRM and PM weight of T0 were 1.54–2.53 and 1.04–1.47 times more than those of T1–T4, respectively. In addition, the SIRM and PM weight decreased with increasing distance to the road, suggesting that distance from pollution sources plays a key role in reducing the air concentration of PM. The different grain-size components were determined from frequency curve plots using a laser particle-size analyzer. A unimodal spectrum with a major peak of approximately 20 μm and a minor peak between 0.1 and 1 μm was observed, indicating that a large proportion of fine air PM was retained by the needles of the study trees. Additionally, more <2.5 μm size fraction particles were observed at the sampling site near the traffic source but, compared to a tree in a row of trees, the percentage of the >10 μm size fraction for the tree in the dense urban forest was higher, indicating that the particles deposited on the needle surface originating from traffic sources were finer than those from natural atmospheric dust. The exploration of the variation in the PM weight, SIRM, and grain size of the particles deposited on the needle surface facilitates monitoring the removal of PM by urban forests under different environmental conditions (e.g., in closed dense urban forests and in open roadside spaces), different distances to roads, and different sampling heights above the ground.
Intersections of Sex Work, Mental Ill-Health, IPV and Other Violence Experienced by Female Sex Workers: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Community-Centric National Study in South Africa
Authors: Jewkes Rachel , Milovanovic Minja , Otwombe Kennedy , Chirwa Esnat , Hlongwane Khuthadzo , Hill Naomi , Mbowane Venice , Matuludi Mokgadi , Hopkins Kathryn , Gray Glenda , Coetzee Jenny
Published: November 2021

Female sex workers (FSWs) are at increased risk of mental health problems, including mood disorders and substance abuse, and we need to understand the origins of these to treat and prevent them, and particularly understand how the context in which they sell sex impacts their mental health. We conducted a multi-stage, community-centric, cross-sectional survey of 3005 FSWs linked to SW programmes in twelve sites across all nine provinces of South Africa. We interviewed adult women who had sold sex in the preceding six months, who were recruited via SW networks. We found that FSWs have very poor mental health as 52.7% had depression and 53.6% has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The structural equation model showed direct pathways from childhood trauma and having HIV+ status to mental ill-health. Indirect pathways were mediated by food insecurity, controlling partners, non-partner rape, harmful alcohol use, substance use to cope with SW, indicators of the circumstances of SW, i.e., selling location (on streets, in taverns and brothels), frequency of selling and experiencing SW stigma. All paths from childhood trauma had final common pathways from exposure to gender-based violence (non-partner rape or intimate partner violence) to mental ill-health, except for one that was mediated by food insecurity. Thus, FSWs’ poor mental health risk was often mediated by their work location and vulnerability to violence, substance abuse and stigma. The potential contribution of legal reform to mitigate the risks of violence and mental ill-health are inescapable. Treatment of mental ill-health and substance abuse should be an essential element of FSW programmes.
Why Do Public Safety Personnel Seek Tailored Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy? An Observational Study of Treatment-Seekers
Authors: McCall Hugh C. , Landry Caeleigh A. , Ogunade Adeyemi , Carleton R. Nicholas , Hadjistavropoulos Heather D.
Published: November 2021

First responders and other public safety personnel (PSP) experience elevated rates of mental disorders and face unique barriers to care. Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (ICBT) is an effective and accessible treatment that has demonstrated good treatment outcomes when tailored specifically for PSP. However, little is known about how PSP come to seek ICBT. A deeper understanding of why PSP seek ICBT can inform efforts to tailor and disseminate ICBT and other treatments to PSP. The present study was designed to (1) explore the demographic and clinical characteristics, motivations, and past treatments of PSP seeking ICBT, (2) learn how PSP first learned about ICBT, and (3) understand how PSP perceive ICBT. To address these objectives, we examined responses to online screening questionnaires among PSP (N = 259) who signed up for an ICBT program tailored for PSP. The results indicate that most of our sample experienced clinically significant symptoms of multiple mental disorders, had received prior mental disorder diagnoses and treatments, heard about ICBT from a work-related source, reported positive perceptions of ICBT, and sought ICBT to learn skills to manage their own symptoms of mental disorders. The insights gleaned through this study have important implications for ICBT researchers and others involved in the development, delivery, evaluation, and funding of mental healthcare services for PSP.
Does Low-Carbon City Construction Improve Total Factor Productivity? Evidence from a Quasi-Natural Experiment in China
Authors: Zhang Hongfeng , Huang Lu , Zhu Yan , Si Hongyun , He Xu
Published: November 2021

Low-carbon city construction (LCC) is an important strategy for countries desiring to improve environmental quality, realize cleaner production, and achieve sustainable development. Low-carbon cities have attracted widespread attention for their attempts to coordinate the relationship between environmental protection and economic development. Using the panel data from 2006 to 2017 of prefecture-level cities in China, this study applied the difference-in-differences (DID) method to analyze the effects of LCC on the total factor productivity (TFP) of the cities and its possible transmission mechanism. The results show significantly positive effects on TFP, but the effects on each component of TFP are different. Although the LCC has promoted technical progress and scale efficiency, it has inhibited technical efficiency. The accuracy of the results has been confirmed by several robustness tests. Mechanism analysis showed that the pilot policy of low-carbon cities has promoted technical progress and scale efficiency by technological innovation and the upgrading of industrial structure, but resource mismatches among enterprises have been the main reason for reduced technical efficiency. Regional heterogeneity analysis showed that the effects on TFP in the eastern region have been more significant than in the central and western regions. In the eastern region, they have promoted technical progress, while in the central and western regions, they have promoted technical progress and scale efficiency but hindered technical efficiency. This paper presents our findings for the effects of LCC on economic development and provides insightful policy implications for the improvement of technical efficiency in low-carbon cities.
Categorizing Foods by Relative Healthfulness: A Scoping Review of Front of Pack Labelling
Authors: Singh Shivneta , Naicker Ashika , Memela Sinenhlanhla Ntokozo
Published: November 2021

Worksites are a suitable platform for employees to engage in behavioral change towards a healthy lifestyle by the modification of the food environment. Grading canteen foods at worksites into categories of relative healthfulness is an important indicator in the planning of food environmental interventions. However, in the absence of mandatory front of pack (FOP) labelling in South Africa, categorizing packaged and cooked food at worksite canteens is challenging. A scoping review was conducted on FOP labelling schemes to inform the selection of a FOP labelling scheme best suited for canteen foods at worksites in South Africa. The results of the scoping study, tabulated into a narrative summary, showed that there are several well-developed approaches to classifying foods by relative healthfulness through nutrient profiling and different forms of expression. It is recommended that because worksite canteen food sales in South Africa include both packaged and cooked food, and that a general test of various labelling schemes should be conducted to determine if a directional change is made towards purchasing healthier foods. Grading foods using interpretational aides such as an adapted FOP nutrition label to the South African context into categories of relative healthfulness can be a practical tool to inform food environmental interventions at worksite canteens and beyond.
What about Using Photovoice for Health and Safety?
Authors: Lindhout Paul , Teunissen Truus , Reniers Genserik
Published: November 2021

The positive reception of Wang and Burris’ photovoice method, published in 1997, has led to a proliferation of ways in which professionals deploy photovoice in a widening range of application fields, e.g., public health, social development and phenomenological research of human experiences. A scoping review method is used to obtain an overview of current photovoice designs and of application examples in the health and safety domain. The results show a variety of method designs. Our findings indicate that all of the photovoice designs are composed from different combinations of eleven process steps. Five generic objectives cover the range of application examples found in our literature study. We therefore condensed the variety into five generic photovoice designs for: (a) communication, (b) education, (c) exploration, (d) awareness, and (e) empowerment purposes. We propose this for use in a classification system. The potential for application of these photovoice designs in safety management is illustrated by the existence of various safety related application examples. We argue that the five generic designs will facilitate the implementation and usage of photovoice as a tool. We recommend that both a theoretical framework and guidance are further developed. We conclude that photovoice holds potential for application in health and safety management.
Assessment of Oral Hygiene in Patients Using Fixed and Removable Dentures Treated at the University Dental Clinic in Krakow
Authors: Ryniewicz Joanna , Orczykowska Magdalena , Gronkiewicz Krzysztof , Pihut Małgorzata
Published: November 2021

Apart from local lesions, the presence of dental plaque may also have an effect on health, especially in people with general diseases. The aim of this project was to assess the oral hygiene of patients prosthetically treated at the Dental Prosthetics Clinic of the University Dental Clinic in Krakow (Poland) using fixed and removable dentures and to determine the demographic relationships and data related to the education of the respondents. The research material consisted of 120 patients who used fixed (group I) and removable (group II) restorations. Basic dental examinations and oral hygiene examinations were carried out with the use of the API (Approximal Plaque Index) and PI (Plaque Index) plaque indices. This study presents the percentage of respondents in terms of sex, place of residence, and education. The mean PI (Plaque Index) values were 46.73% (Group I) and 50.05% (Group II). (p = 0.4839). The mean values of API (Approximal Plaque Index) amounted to 65.14% (Group I) and 68.94% (Group II) (p = 0.4695). Patients using dentures showed insufficient oral hygiene, and the hygiene status of patients did not depend on the type of dentures used. The group that is most often treated with prosthetics is women with secondary education. The most numerous group of patients at the Dental Prosthetics Clinic are people living in large cities which results from easier access to health care.
Hypothalamic Regulation of Corticotropin-Releasing Factor under Stress and Stress Resilience
Authors: Kageyama Kazunori , Iwasaki Yasumasa , Daimon Makoto
Published: November 2021

This review addresses the molecular mechanisms of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) regulation in the hypothalamus under stress and stress resilience. CRF in the hypothalamus plays a central role in regulating the stress response. CRF stimulates adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release from the anterior pituitary. ACTH stimulates glucocorticoid secretion from the adrenal glands. Glucocorticoids are essential for stress coping, stress resilience, and homeostasis. The activated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is suppressed by the negative feedback from glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoid-dependent repression of cAMP-stimulated Crf promoter activity is mediated by both the negative glucocorticoid response element and the serum response element. Conversely, the inducible cAMP-early repressor can suppress the stress response via inhibition of the cAMP-dependent Crf gene, as can the suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 in the hypothalamus. CRF receptor type 1 is mainly involved in a stress response, depression, anorexia, and seizure, while CRF receptor type 2 mediates “stress coping” mechanisms such as anxiolysis in the brain. Differential effects of FK506-binding immunophilins, FKBP4 and FKBP5, contribute to the efficiency of glucocorticoids under stress resilience. Together, a variety of factors contribute to stress resilience. All these factors would have the differential roles under stress resilience.
Modulation of Neurolipid Signaling and Specific Lipid Species in the Triple Transgenic Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: González de San Román Estibaliz , Llorente-Ovejero Alberto , Martínez-Gardeazabal Jonatan , Moreno-Rodríguez Marta , Giménez-Llort Lydia , Manuel Iván , Rodríguez-Puertas Rafael
Published: November 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder and the most common cause of dementia in aging populations. Recently, the regulation of neurolipid-mediated signaling and cerebral lipid species was shown in AD patients. The triple transgenic mouse model (3xTg-AD), harboring βAPPSwe, PS1M146V, and tauP301L transgenes, mimics many critical aspects of AD neuropathology and progressively develops neuropathological markers. Thus, in the present study, 3xTg-AD mice have been used to test the involvement of the neurolipid-based signaling by endocannabinoids (eCB), lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) in relation to the lipid deregulation. [35S]GTPγS autoradiography was used in the presence of specific agonists WIN55,212-2, LPA and CYM5442, to measure the activity mediated by CB1, LPA1, and S1P1 Gi/0 coupled receptors, respectively. Consecutive slides were used to analyze the relative intensities of multiple lipid species by MALDI Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) with microscopic anatomical resolution. The quantitative analysis of the astrocyte population was performed by immunohistochemistry. CB1 receptor activity was decreased in the amygdala and motor cortex of 3xTg-AD mice, but LPA1 activity was increased in the corpus callosum, motor cortex, hippocampal CA1 area, and striatum. Conversely, S1P1 activity was reduced in hippocampal areas. Moreover, the observed modifications on PC, PA, SM, and PI intensities in different brain areas depend on their fatty acid composition, including decrease of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) phospholipids and increase of species containing saturated fatty acids (SFA). The regulation of some lipid species in specific brain regions together with the modulation of the eCB, LPA, and S1P signaling in 3xTg-AD mice indicate a neuroprotective adaptation to improve neurotransmission, relieve the myelination dysfunction, and to attenuate astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation. These results could contribute to identify new therapeutic strategies based on the regulation of the lipid signaling in familial AD patients.
Maturation of UTR-Derived sRNAs Is Modulated during Adaptation to Different Growth Conditions
Authors: Spanka Daniel-Timon , Klug Gabriele
Published: November 2021

Small regulatory RNAs play a major role in bacterial gene regulation by binding their target mRNAs, which mostly influences the stability or translation of the target. Expression levels of sRNAs are often regulated by their own promoters, but recent reports have highlighted the presence and importance of sRNAs that are derived from mRNA 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). In this study, we investigated the maturation of 5′ and 3′ UTR-derived sRNAs on a global scale in the facultative phototrophic alphaproteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides. Including some already known UTR-derived sRNAs like UpsM or CcsR1-4, 14 sRNAs are predicted to be located in 5 UTRs and 16 in 3′ UTRs. The involvement of different ribonucleases during maturation was predicted by a differential RNA 5′/3′ end analysis based on RNA next generation sequencing (NGS) data from the respective deletion strains. The results were validated in vivo and underline the importance of polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) and ribonuclease E (RNase E) during processing and maturation. The abundances of some UTR-derived sRNAs changed when cultures were exposed to external stress conditions, such as oxidative stress and also during different growth phases. Promoter fusions revealed that this effect cannot be solely attributed to an altered transcription rate. Moreover, the RNase E dependent cleavage of several UTR-derived sRNAs varied significantly during the early stationary phase and under iron depletion conditions. We conclude that an alteration of ribonucleolytic processing influences the levels of UTR-derived sRNAs, and may thus indirectly affect their mRNA targets.
Novel Chitosan-Silica Hybrid Hydrogels for Cell Encapsulation and Drug Delivery
Authors: Jayash Soher N. , Cooper Paul R. , Shelton Richard M. , Kuehne Sarah A. , Poologasundarampillai Gowsihan
Published: November 2021

Hydrogels constructed from naturally derived polymers provide an aqueous environment that encourages cell growth, however, mechanical properties are poor and degradation can be difficult to predict. Whilst, synthetic hydrogels exhibit some improved mechanical properties, these materials lack biochemical cues for cells growing and have limited biodegradation. To produce hydrogels that support 3D cell cultures to form tissue mimics, materials must exhibit appropriate biological and mechanical properties. In this study, novel organic-inorganic hybrid hydrogels based on chitosan and silica were prepared using the sol-gel technique. The chemical, physical and biological properties of the hydrogels were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using One-Way ANOVAs and independent-sample t-tests. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed characteristic absorption bands including amide II, Si-O and Si-O-Si confirming formation of hybrid networks. Oscillatory rheometry was used to characterise the sol to gel transition and viscoelastic behaviour of hydrogels. Furthermore, in vitro degradation revealed both chitosan and silica were released over 21 days. The hydrogels exhibited high loading efficiency as total protein loading was released in a week. There were significant differences between TC2G and C2G at all-time points (p < 0.05). The viability of osteoblasts seeded on, and encapsulated within, the hydrogels was >70% over 168 h culture and antimicrobial activity was demonstrated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis. The hydrogels developed here offer alternatives for biopolymer hydrogels for biomedical use, including for application in drug/cell delivery and for bone tissue engineering.