bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Land Use and Land Cover Change on Plant Diversity in the Ghodaghodi Lake Complex, Nepal
Authors: Naunyal Manoj , Khadka Bidur , Anderson James T.
Published: March 2023

The Ghodaghodi Lake Complex is a Ramsar site, Nepal’s first bird sanctuary, and has significant ecological and economic values. The lake complex is in the western part of the lowland of the Terai region. Numerous studies indicate a relation between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land use, and land cover with plant diversity. However, the association between terrestrial plant diversity and NDVI in the Ghodaghodi Lake Complex is unknown but has important implications due to potential land use changes. We aimed to understand the relationship between plant diversity and NDVI in the Ghodaghodi Lake Complex. We performed a vegetation survey using a simple random sampling methodology. Shannon–Wiener’s diversity index (H’) was calculated from the field data, and Landsat images were used to compare land use and land cover changes and calculate NDVI values for 2000 and 2022. The image classification shows that forest cover in April and December 2000 was 71.1% and 58.5%, respectively, and was the dominant land cover in the study area. In contrast, agriculture occupied 18.8% and 27.3% in April and December 2000, respectively, and was the primary land use. Forests covered the most land in April (64.8%) and December (65.3%) of 2022. Likewise, agriculture was a widespread land use. We found a significant correlation (r = 0.80, p < 0.05) between the NDVI and plant species diversity, as the NDVI explained 65% of plant species diversity. There was a decrease in forest cover from 2000 to 2022. The strong correlation between the NDVI and vegetation species diversity shows that the NDVI can be a substitute for plant diversity. Our findings show that increased NDVI corresponds to increased plant species diversity and that the lake complex had more plant diversity in 2022 than in 2000, despite a decrease in forested lands.
Modelling and Simulation of Heat Exchanger with Strong Dependence of Oil Viscosity on Temperature
Authors: Kurmanova Dinara , Jaichibekov Nurbolat , Karpenko Anton , Volkov Konstantin
Published: March 2023

The heating of oil and oil products is widely used to reduce energy losses during transportation. An approach is developed to determine the effective length of the heat exchanger and the temperature of the cold coolant (oil) at its outlet in the case of a strong dependence of oil viscosity on temperature. Oil from the Uzen field (Kazakhstan) is considered as a heated coolant, and water is considered as a heating component. The method of the log–mean temperature difference, modified for the case of variable viscosity, and the methods of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are used for calculations. The results of the numerical calculations are compared with the data obtained on the basis of a theoretical approach at a constant viscosity. When using a theoretical approach with a constant or variable viscosity, the heat transfer coefficients to cold and hot coolants are found using criterion dependencies. The Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) and a turbulence model that takes into account the laminar–turbulent transition are applied. In the case of variable oil viscosity, a transition from the laminar flow regime to the turbulent one is manifested, which has a significant effect on the effective length of the heat exchanger. The obtained results of the CFD calculations are of interest for the design of heat exchangers of a new type, for example, helicoid ones.
Methodology for Optimizing Factors Affecting Road Accidents in Poland
Authors: Gorzelanczyk Piotr , Tylicki Henryk
Published: March 2023

With the rapid increase in the number of vehicles on the road, traffic accidents have become a rapidly growing threat, causing the loss of human life and economic assets. The reason for this is the rapid growth of the human population and the development of motorization. The main challenge in predicting and analyzing traffic accident data is the small size of the dataset that can be used for analysis in this regard. While traffic accidents cause, globally, millions of deaths and injuries each year, their density in time and space is low. The purpose of this article is to present a methodology for determining the role of factors influencing road accidents in Poland. For this purpose, multi-criteria optimization methods were used. The results obtained allow us to conclude that the proposed solution can be used to search for the best solution for the selection of factors affecting traffic accidents. Furthermore, based on the study, it can be concluded that the factors primarily influencing traffic accidents are weather conditions (fog, smoke, rainfall, snowfall, hail, or cloud cover), province (Lower Silesian, Lubelskie, Lodzkie, Malopolskie, Mazovian, Opolskie, Podkarpackie, Pomeranian, Silesian, Warmian-Masurian, and Greater Poland), and type of road (with two one-way carriageways; two-way, single carriageway road). Noteworthy is the fact that all days of the week also affect the number of vehicle accidents, although most of them occur on Fridays.
On the Development of a Data-Driven-Based Fractional-Order Controller for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Alsaade Fawaz W. , Jahanshahi Hadi , Yao Qijia , Al-zahrani Mohammed S. , Alzahrani Ali S.
Published: March 2023

Proper control is necessary for ensuring that UAVs successfully navigate their surroundings and accomplish their intended tasks. Undoubtedly, a perfect control technique can significantly improve the performance and reliability of UAVs in a wide range of applications. Motivated by this, in the current paper, a new data-driven-based fractional-order control technique is proposed to address this issue and enable UAVs to track desired trajectories despite the presence of external disturbances and uncertainties. The control approach combines a deep neural network with a robust fractional-order controller to estimate uncertainties and minimize the impact of unknown disturbances. The design procedure for the controller is outlined in the paper. To evaluate the proposed technique, numerical simulations are performed for two different desired paths. The results show that the control method performs well in the presence of dynamic uncertainties and control input constraints, making it a promising approach for enabling UAVs to track desired trajectories in challenging environments.
A Multi-Spectral Fractal Image Model and Its Associated Fractal Dimension Estimator
Authors: Ivanovici Mihai
Published: March 2023

We propose both a probabilistic fractal model and fractal dimension estimator for multi-spectral images. The model is based on the widely known fractional Brownian motion fractal model, which is extended to the case of images with multiple spectral bands. The model is validated mathematically under the assumption of statistical independence of the spectral components. Using this model, we generate several synthetic multi-spectral fractal images of varying complexity, with seven statistically independent spectral bands at specific wavelengths in the visible domain. The fractal dimension estimator is based on the widely used probabilistic box-counting classical approach extended to the multivariate domain of multi-spectral images. We validate the estimator on the previously generated synthetic multi-spectral images having fractal properties. Furthermore, we deploy the proposed multi-spectral fractal image estimator for the complexity assessment of real remotely sensed data sets and show the usefulness of the proposed approach.
Linearized Crank–Nicolson Scheme for the Two-Dimensional Nonlinear Riesz Space-Fractional Convection–Diffusion Equation
Authors: Basha Merfat , Anley Eyaya Fekadie , Dai Binxiang
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we study the nonlinear Riesz space-fractional convection–diffusion equation over a finite domain in two dimensions with a reaction term. The Crank–Nicolson difference method for the temporal and the weighted–shifted Grünwald–Letnikov difference method for the spatial discretization are proposed to achieve a second-order convergence in time and space. The D’Yakonov alternating–direction implicit technique, which is effective in two–dimensional problems, is applied to find the solution alternatively and reduce the computational cost. The unconditional stability and convergence analyses are proved theoretically. Numerical experiments with their known exact solutions are conducted to illustrate our theoretical investigation. The numerical results perfectly confirm the effectiveness and computational accuracy of the proposed method.
Variations in BCO2 Coding Sequence Causing a Difference in Carotenoid Concentration in the Skin of Chinese Indigenous Chicken
Authors: Wang Yan , Gan Shiyi , Luo Chenglong , Liu Sijia , Ma Jie , Luo Wei , Lin Chuxiao , Shu Dingming , Qu Hao
Published: March 2023

Carotenoid consumption decreases the risk of cancer, osteoporosis, or neurodegenerative diseases through interrupting the formation of free radicals. The deposition of carotenoids in chicken skin makes the skin color turn from white into yellow. The enzyme β-carotene oxygenase 2 (BCO2) plays a key role during the degradation process of carotenoids in skin. How the BCO2 affects the skin color of the chicken and whether it is the key factor that results in the phenotypic difference between yellow- and white-skin chickens are still unclear. In this research, the measurement of the concentration of carotenoids in chicken skin by HPLC showed that the carotenoid concentration in chickens with a yellow skin was significantly higher than that in white-skin chickens. Moreover, there were significant differences in BCO2 gene expression in the back skin between yellow- and white-skin chickens. Scanning the SNPs in BCO2 gene revealed a G/A mutation in exon 6 of the BCO2 gene in white and yellow skin chicken. Generally, one SNP c.890A>G was found to be associated with the chicken skin color and may be used as a genetic marker in breeding for yellow skin in Chinese indigenous chickens.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis of Grain Hardness in Common Wheat
Authors: He Xianfang , Lu Maoang , Cao Jiajia , Pan Xu , Lu Jie , Zhao Li , Zhang Haiping , Chang Cheng , Wang Jianlai , Ma Chuanxi
Published: March 2023

The grain hardness index (HI) is one of the important reference bases for wheat quality and commodity properties; therefore, it is essential and useful to identify loci associated with the HI in wheat breeding. The grain hardness index of the natural population including 150 common wheat genotypes was measured in this study. The phenotypic data diversity of HI based on four environments and the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) was analyzed. The results showed that the grain HI of the natural population ranged from 15.00 to 83.00, the variation range was from 5.10% to 24.44%, and the correlation coefficient was 0.872–0.980. BLUP value was used to grade and assign the grain HI to hard wheat, mixed wheat, and soft wheat, and the assigned phenotypes were used for genome-wide association analysis. Two types of grain hardness index phenotypic values were used for genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) using a 55K SNP array. A total of five significant association loci (p < 0.001) were excavated, among which four loci could be detected in three or more environments. They were distributed on chromosomes 1A and 7D, and the phenotypic contribution rate was 7.52% to 10.66%. A total of 48 sites related to grain hardness were detected by the assignment method, among which five were stable genetic sites, distributed on chromosomes 1A(2), 3B(1), 4B(1), and 7D(1), with phenotypic contribution rates ranging from 7.63% to 11.12%. Of the five loci detected by the assignment method, two stable loci were co-located in the phenotypic mapping results of the hardness index. One of the loci was consistent with previous reports and located on chromosome 1A, and one locus was unreported on chromosome 7D. Therefore, it may be a feasible attempt to use the assignment method to conduct genome-wide association analysis of the grain hardness index. In this study, a total of five genetic loci for grain hardness stability were excavated, and two of the loci were located in the two phenotypic values, two of which were not reported.
Influence of Different Liquid Spray Pollination Parameters on Pollen Activity of Fruit Trees—Pear Liquid Spray Pollination as an Example
Authors: Liu Limin , Liu Ziyan , Han Hu , Jiang Yulin , He Xiongkui , Liu Yajia , Wang Dongsheng , Guo Xianping , Liang Zhao
Published: March 2023

Liquid spray pollination (LSP) is widely used in fruit tree pollination. However, the LSP parameters that affect the pollen activity are still unclear. In this study, three LSP parameters that mainly affect the pollen activity were studied: storage time of pollen suspensions, sprayer parameters and unmanned aerial vehicle sprayer (UAVS) downwash airflow. In addition, sprayer parameters include the recirculation device, pump type, spraying pressure, nozzle size and revolutions per minute (rpm) of the rotary atomizer (RA). The results showed that, with the exception of nozzle size and UAVS downwash airflow, the pollen activity was significantly influenced by LSP parameters. The mean pollen activity decreased by 20.20% when the pollen suspension was stored for 30 min compared to 0 min. The activity of pollen in the tank was dramatically reduced using the recirculation device. The mean pollen activity decreases as the pump production maximum pressure increases. The mean pollen activity decreased from 40.7% to 29.02% when the spraying pressure increased from 0.3 MPa to 2.5 MPa. Additionally, the mean pollen activity decreased from 44.25% to 14.14% as the rpm of RA increased from 3000 rpm to 14,000 rpm. Our study demonstrated that pollen activity would be ensured by appropriate LSP parameters. This study provides a reliable theoretical basis for optimizing and advancing pear LSP technology.
Sensory Integration for Postural Control in Rheumatoid Arthritis Revealed by Computerized Dynamic Posturography
Authors: da Silva Marta Cristina Rodrigues , Machado Deyse Borges , Mochizuki Luis , Cardoso Melissa Andrea Jeannet Michaelsen , de Oliveira Juliane , da Silva Gevaerd Monique , Ervilha Ulysses Fernandes , Cajueiro Monique Oliveira Baptista , Domenech Susana Cristina
Published: March 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease that impairs mobility. How does sensory information influence postural responses in people with RA? The aim of this study was to evaluate the postural control of people with RA during a sensory organization test, comparing how sensory information influences postural responses in people with rheumatoid arthritis compared with healthy people. Participants were 28 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA group) and 16 women without any rheumatoid disease (Control group CG). The Sensory Organization Test (SOT) was performed on a Smart Balance Master® (NeuroCom International, Inc., Clackamas, OR, USA) and center of pressure (COP) was measured. SOT conditions: SOT1 (eyes open, fixed support surface and surround; SOT2) eyes closed, fixed support surface and surround; and SOT5) eyes closed, sway-referenced support surface, and fixed surround. To compare the demographic and clinical aspects between groups, independent t-test or Mann–Whitney’s U-test were used. Differences were found between groups. Between SOT conditions, for CG and RA, COP was faster for SOT-5 than SOT-1, while SOT-1 and SOT-2 presented similar COP velocity. For SOT-2 and SOT-5, COP was larger for the RA group. For both groups, SOT-1 presented the smallest COP, and SOT-5 showed the largest COP.
Developing One Health Systems: A Central Role for the One Health Workforce
Authors: Ferrinho Paulo , Fronteira Inês
Published: March 2023

The health of people, wild and domesticated animals, and natural living systems is syndemically connected, and this interplay is a pillar of the concept of One Health [...]
Leonotis nepetifolia Transformed Root Extract Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Promotes Tissue Repair In Vitro
Authors: Sitarek Przemysław , Kowalczyk Tomasz , Śliwiński Tomasz , Hatziantoniou Sophia , Soulintzi Nikolitsa , Pawliczak Rafal , Wieczfinska Joanna
Published: March 2023

Inflammation is closely related to asthma and its defining feature: airway remodeling. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of extracts of normal (NR) and transformed (TR) Leonotis nepetifolia roots on respiratory cells and against the gingival epithelium. Extracts from NR and TR roots were added to lung fibroblast, bronchial epithelial and gingival fibroblast cell lines, in the presence of HRV-16 infection, to determine their impact on inflammation. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, GM-CSF and MCAF) as well as total thiol contents were assessed. The TR extract inhibited rhinovirus-induced IL-6 and IL-1β expression in all tested airway cells (p < 0.05). Additionally, the extract decreased GM-CSF expression in bronchial epithelial cells. The tested extracts had positive effects on total thiol content in all tested cell lines. The TR root extract demonstrated wound healing potential. While both tested extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects, they were stronger for the TR extract, possibly due to higher concentrations of beneficial metabolites such as phenols and flavonoids. Additionally, wound healing activity was demonstrated for the TR root extract. These results suggest that TR root extract may become a promising therapeutic agent in the future.
Legal Awareness and Practices of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) among United Arab Emirates Medical Practitioners
Authors: Al Awar Shamsa , Zareba Kornelia , Sallam Gehan Sayed , Osman Nawal , Ucenic Teodora , Khair Howaida , Shdefat Suzan Al , Fattah Hadya Abdel , Maki Sara
Published: March 2023

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), due to its regional occurrence, is a marginalized issue in the international arena. The aim of the study was to verify reasons for performing a procedure prohibited by international and domestic law. A cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses and doctors practicing in the UAE. The study was conducted from the 1 of January 2020 to the 31 of December 2021. The total number of recruited individuals who agreed to participate was 120, with the rate of return being 82%. About half of the participants (n = 59, 49.2%) have seen FGM/C patients in their UAE practice. Regarding medical staff, the total knowledge score concerning possible complications of the performed procedure was assessed at 64%, i.e., at a moderate level. None of our study participants had previously performed any type of FGM/C. However, 6.7% were willing to do it upon a mother’s or guardian’s request. About 83% of study participants stated that FGM/C should be halted internationally. Only 26.7% of the medical practitioners were aware of UAE law concerning FGM/C, while 50% had no knowledge concerning this issue. The present study reveals that cultural conditions take priority over medical knowledge, making medical practitioners inclined to accept the circumcision of girls and women. The crucial goals of future activities should focus on sensitizing society and the medical community, the need to create clear laws penalizing the practice, and the legal obligation to report the circumcision of a girl or woman.
Association of Maternal Smoking during Pregnancy with Neurophysiological and ADHD-Related Outcomes in School-Aged Children
Authors: Jansone Karina , Eichler Anna , Fasching Peter A. , Kornhuber Johannes , Kaiser Anna , Millenet Sabina , Banaschewski Tobias , Nees Frauke ,   on behalf of the IMAC-Mind Consortium
Published: March 2023

Data of a longitudinal cohort study were analyzed to investigate the association between prenatal tobacco exposure and electroencephalographical (EEG) power spectrum in healthy, school-aged children as well as its relationship with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related symptoms. Group comparisons (exposed, non-exposed) were performed to test whether prenatal tobacco exposure was associated with brain activity and ADHD symptoms, with adjustments made for covariates including child’s sex, child’s age, maternal age, maternal smoking habit before pregnancy, alcohol consumption during pregnancy, gestation age, and maternal psychopathology. Tobacco-exposed children showed higher brain activity in the delta and theta frequency bands. This effect was independent of the considered covariates. However, the effects on hyperactivity were found to significantly depend on maternal age and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, but not on the amount of exposure. In summary, smoking during pregnancy significantly affected the resting-state brain activity in children, independent of socio-demographic factors, indicating potential long-lasting effects on brain development. Its impact on ADHD-related behavior was shown to be influenced by socio-demographic confounding factors, such as maternal alcohol consumption and the age of the mother.
Determinants of Patient-Perceived Primary Healthcare Quality in Lithuania
Authors: Servetkienė Vaida , Puronaitė Roma , Mockevičienė Birutė , Ažukaitis Karolis , Jankauskienė Danguolė
Published: March 2023

Patient-centered care is considered to be one of the essential pillars of a modern healthcare system. Thus, quality assessment based on patients’ perceptions, views and experiences in their journey through the healthcare system is recognized as one of the key principles for quality improvement initiatives. Measuring patient satisfaction can be confounded by expectations and prior experiences, which can be at least partly overcome by evaluating patient-perceived healthcare quality (PPHQ). Understanding the principal constituents of PPHQ may aid healthcare professionals and decision makers in the healthcare management process and help in creating instruments to meaningfully measure patient feedback. Herein, we aimed to analyze the primary determinants of PPHQ and their interactions, with a focus on patient experiences and healthcare accessibility, using the example of Lithuanian primary healthcare. For this purpose, we conducted a cross-sectional representative telephone survey that included a total of 1033 respondents (48% male) who had encountered primary healthcare during last 3 years. Survey questions consisted of sociodemographic characteristics, patient perceptions of healthcare service provision, patient experiences, self-reported health status and overall PPHQ ranked with a 5-point Likert scale as the primary outcome. The classification-regression tree (CRT) technique was used to analyze the relationship between different explanatory variables and PPHQ, as well as their relative importance and interactions. The majority of respondents (89%) evaluated PPHQ as acceptable or good. CRT analysis identified staff behavior, organizational accessibility and financial accessibility as the most important factors affecting PPHQ. Importantly, the latter factors surpassed the effect of other known PPHQ determinants, such as sociodemographic characteristics or health status. Further analysis has revealed that the relative importance of staff behavior, including understanding, attention and empathy, increased when more problems with organizational accessibility were encountered. In conclusion, our study suggests that PPHQ in primary healthcare may primarily be determined by organizational and financial accessibility and staff behavior, which may also act as an important mediating factor.
The Effect of Low Intensity Resistance Training with Blood Flow Restriction on Fall Resistance in Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Shufan , Wang Peng , Xin Xin , Zhou Xiaojing , Wang Jing , Zhao Jinlei , Wang Xing
Published: March 2023

Objective: To systematically evaluate the effect of low intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction on fall resistance in middle-aged and older adults. Methods: PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO host, CNKI Database, VIP, Wanfang Database and CBMdisc were searched, and the retrieval period was from the beginning of each database to 25 July 2022. Randomized controlled trials were collected concerning the intervention of low intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction on lower limb muscle strength, muscle mass, muscle function, balance, walking and other fall resistance indicators in middle-aged and older adults. Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool was used for methodological quality assessment of the included literature. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software and Stata 15.1. Results: A total of 14 randomized controlled trials (419 participants in total) were included in the study. Meta-analysis results revealed that low intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction significantly improved lower limb muscle strength (SMD = 0.51, 95%CI: [0.28, 0.74], p < 0.0001), lower limb muscle mass (MD = 1.99, 95%CI: [0.77, 3.22], p = 0.001) and walking ability (SMD = −0.89, 95% CI. [−1.71, −0.06], p = 0.03), while there was no apparent intervention effect on lower limb muscle function (SMD = 0.25, 95%CI: [−0.23, 0.73], p = 0.31) and balance (SMD = 0.22, 95%CI: [−0.08, 0.52], p = 0.15). The results of subgroup analysis showed that the intervention effect of low intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction on lower limb muscle strength was more significant in subjects aged 55–64 years, with exercise cycles of 4–8 weeks, exercise frequency of three times per week, exercise intensity of 20–30% 1RM, and vascular flow blocking pressure ≥ 120 mmHg. Conclusion: Low intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction can effectively improve lower limb muscle strength, muscle mass and walking ability in middle-aged and older adults, and can serve as an important form of fall resistance training for the older adults.
Health Economic Evaluation of Proton Therapy for Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Li Chia-Chin , Lin Ying-Chun , Liang Ji-An , Chao K. S. Clifford , Hsia Te-Chun , Chien Chun-Ru
Published: March 2023

Background: To our knowledge, there have been no systematic reviews of health economic evaluations of proton therapy specific to lung cancer. Methods: We conducted this systematic review according to the predefined protocol [PROSPERO CRD42022365869]. We summarized the results of the included studies via structured narrative synthesis. Results: We identified four studies (all used passively scattered proton therapy) from 787 searches. Two cost analyses reported that proton therapy was more costly than photon therapy for early- or locally advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer, one cost-utility analysis reported that proton therapy was dominated by nonproton therapy in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, and one cost-utility analysis reported that proton therapy was not cost-effective (vs. photon) in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Conclusions: Passively scattered proton therapy was more costly and not cost-effective than photon therapy for early- and locally advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Further health economic evaluations regarding modern proton therapy (such as scanning beam) for common radiotherapy indications of lung cancer are eagerly awaited.
Spatiotemporal Variation of Soil Erosion Characteristics in the Qinghai Lake Basin Based on the InVEST Model
Authors: Chen Zhen , Gao Xiaohong , Liu Zhifeng , Chen Kelong
Published: March 2023

The present study aims to quantitatively assess soil erosion intensity (SEI) and amounts in the Qinghai Lake Basin (QLB) over the 1990–2020 period using the Integrated Valuation Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs (InVEST) model based on multi-source data. In addition, the changing trends and driving factors of soil erosion (SE) in the study area were systematically analyzed. The result showed: (1) An increasing-decreasing trend in the total soil erosion amount (SEA) in the QLB over the 1990–2020 period, with an average SEI of 579.52 t/km2. In addition, very low and low erosion classes covered 94.49% of the total surface area, while areas with high SEI were mainly distributed in alpine areas with low vegetation coverage (VC). (2) The highest average SEI was observed in bare land, while grassland and unused land were the main land use (LU) types where SE mainly occurred, with the ratio of the two being 95.78%. (3) The average value of SEI was positively correlated with altitude values below 4800 m. In addition, areas with altitude ranges of 4000–4400 m, 3600–4000 m, and 4400–4800 m were the main areas where SE occurred, with an average total soil erosion ratio (SER) value of 88.73%. (4) The average SEI was directly proportional to the slope degrees. SE occurred mainly in the areas with slope degree ranges of 15–25°, 25–35°, 8–15°, and >35°, accounting for 93.16% of the average total SER value. (5) The q value of the two-factor interaction was greater than that of the single-factor interaction. In addition, the areas with a high SE risk were mainly those with 1220–2510 m rainfall, <0.104 VC, the land use/land cover (LULC) type bare land, the altitude range 4400–4800 m, and a slope of >35°. The interaction between rainfall, VC, LULC, elevation, and slope had a significant impact on the spatial distribution of SEI.
Barriers and Facilitators Related to the Adoption of Policies to Reduce Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption: A Scoping Review
Authors: Pereira Tatiane Nunes , Bortolini Gisele Ane , Campos Roberta de Freitas
Published: March 2023

Cost-effective regulatory and fiscal interventions are recommended to address non-communicable diseases. While some countries are advancing regarding these actions, others have found it difficult to approve them. Aim: to conduct a scoping review to answer the question “What factors have influenced the adoption of food taxes, front-of-pack labeling and restrictions on marketing to children?”. Methods: A scoping review was developed from four databases. Studies that described and analyzed policy processes were included. Analysis was performed to identify the barriers and enablers mentioned under the guidance of Swinburn et al., Huang et al., Mialon et al., and Kingdon. Results: 168 documents were identified, describing experiences from five regions or groups and 23 countries, which have generated 1584 examples of 52 enablers (689 examples; 43.5%) and 55 barriers (895 examples; 56.5%) that may have influenced policies. The main enablers were related to the government environment and governance and to civil society strategies. Corporate political activity strategies were the main examples of barriers. Conclusions: This scoping review consolidated barriers and facilitators related to policies aimed at reducing ultra-processed foods consumption, demonstrating that factors related to the actions of governments and civil society are the main facilitators. On the other hand, as the most interested actor in promoting the consumption of these products, the strategies adopted by the companies that produce these products constitute the main barrier to these policies in all the studied countries and should be overcome.
Investigation of Unsafe Acts Influence Law Based on System Dynamics Simulation: Thoughts on Behavior Mechanism and Safety Control
Authors: Xie Xuecai , Hu Jun , Fu Gui , Shu Xueming , Wu Yali , Huang Lida , Shen Shifei
Published: March 2023

In modern safety management, it is very important to study the influence of the whole safety system on unsafe acts in order to prevent accidents. However, theoretical research in this area is sparse. In order to obtain the influence law of various factors in the safety system on unsafe acts, this paper used system dynamics simulation to carry out theoretical research. First, based on a summary of the causes of the coal and gas outburst accidents, a dynamic simulation model for unsafe acts was established. Second, the system dynamics model is applied to investigate the influence of various safety system factors on unsafe acts. Third, the mechanism and the control measures of unsafe acts in the enterprise safety system are studied. This study’s main result and conclusions are as follows: (1) In the new coalmines, the influence of the safety culture, safety management system, and safety ability on the safety acts were similar. The order of influence on the safety acts in production coalmines is as follows: safety management system > safety ability > safety culture. The difference is most evident in months ten to eighteen. The higher the safety level and safety construction standard of the company, the greater the difference. (2) In the construction of the safety culture, the order of influence was as follows: safety measure elements > safety responsibility elements = safety discipline elements > safety concept elements. It shows the difference in influence from the 6th month and attains its maximum value from the 12th month to the 14th month. (3) In the construction of the safety management system, the degree of influence in new coalmines was as follows: safety policy > safety management organization structure > safety management procedures. Among them, especially in the first 18 months, the impact of the safety policy was most apparent. However, in the production mine, the degree of influence was as follows: safety management organization structure > safety management procedures > safety policy, but the difference is very small. (4) The degree of influence on the construct of safety ability was as follows: safety knowledge > safety psychology = safety habits > safety awareness, but the difference on the impact was small.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of the Coupling Relationship between Habitat Quality and Urbanization in the Lower Yellow River
Authors: Sun Jinxin , Han Mei , Kong Fanbiao , Wei Fan , Kong Xianglun
Published: March 2023

Natural habitats are damaged by human interference to varying degrees during the urbanization process, which can impede a region’s high-quality development. In this study, we examined the spatial–temporal evolution characteristics of habitat quality and urbanization in the Lower Yellow River from 2000 to 2020 using the integrated valuation of ecosystem services and tradeoffs (InVEST) model and the comprehensive indicator method. We also evaluated the coupling relationship between the habitat quality and urbanization using the coupling coordination degree model. The findings indicate the following aspects: (1) Between 2000 and 2020, the Lower Yellow River’s habitat quality was typically mediocre, with a steady declining trend. The majority of cities displayed a trend toward declining habitat quality. (2) Both the urbanization subsystem and the urbanization level in 34 cities have demonstrated a consistent growth tendency. The urbanization level is most affected by economic urbanization among the subsystems. (3) The coupling coordination degree have revealed an ongoing trend of growth. In most cities, the relationship between habitat quality and urbanization has been evolving toward coordination. The results of this study have some reference value for ameliorating the habitat quality of the Lower Yellow River and solving the coupling coordination relationship between habitat quality and urbanization.
Occupational Exposure of Forest Workers to the Urticating Setae of the Pine Processionary Moth Thaumetopoea pityocampa
Authors: Olivieri Mario , Ludovico Enzo , Battisti Andrea
Published: March 2023

The larvae of the pine processionary moth are a threat to public health because they produce detachable setae that are about 200 µm long and 6 µm wide, reaching a total number of up to 1 million per mature individual. The setae are intended to be released to protect the larvae from predators but become a public health issue when in contact with humans and warm-blooded animals. Symptoms associated with the setae are typically urticaria and local swelling erythema, although edema of the skin, conjunctivitis or respiratory mucosa may occur. Occupational exposure concerns mainly forest workers but also farmers and gardeners. In the present study, we quantify the exposure to the setae of forest workers in a district of Northern Italy. The pine processionary moth represents a real case of occupational exposure as the urticating setae produced by the larvae caused symptoms in most forest workers directly in contact with the infested trees. In addition, the urticating setae were detected on the body of the chainsaw operators and in the surroundings of the felled trees during the operations. The non-exposed workers of the same agency did not report symptoms, with only one exception, likely linked to a non-occupational exposure. As the risk is not immediately perceived by the workers because direct contact with the larvae is unlikely, a campaign of information to workers and the general population living nearby infested forestry areas about the risk associated with airborne exposure is recommended. This becomes especially important in the areas of recent expansion of the insect, where people are inexperienced.
May Women with a Negative Co-Test at First Follow-Up Visit Return to 3-Year Screening after Treatment for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia?
Authors: Skjeldestad Finn Egil , Wergeland Sørbye Sveinung
Published: March 2023

Background: The Norwegian Cervical Cancer Screening Programme recommends that women treated for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) only be returned to 3-year screening after receiving two consecutive negative co-tests, 6 months apart. Here we evaluate adherence to these guidelines and assessed the residual disease, using CIN3+ as the outcome. Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 1397 women, treated for CIN between 2014 and 2017, who had their cytology, HPV, and histology samples analyzed by a single university department of pathology. Women who had their first and second follow-up at 4–8 and 9–18 months after treatment were considered adherent to the guidelines. The follow-up ended on 31 December 2021. We used survival analysis to assess the residual and recurrent CIN3 or worse among women with one and two negative co-tests, respectively. Results: 71.8% (1003/1397) of women attended the first follow-up 4–8 months after treatment, and 38.3% were considered adherent at the second follow-up. Nearly 30% of the women had incomplete follow-up at the study end. None of the 808 women who returned to 3-year screening after two negative co-tests were diagnosed with CIN3+, whereas two such cases were diagnosed among the 887 women who had normal cytology/ASCUS/LSIL and a negative HPV test at first follow-up (5-year risk of CIN3+: 0.24, 95%, CI: 0.00–0.57 per 100 woman-years). Conclusions: The high proportion of women with incomplete follow-up at the end of the study period requires action. The risk of CIN3+ among women with normal cytology/ASCUS/LSIL and a negative HPV test at first follow-up is indicative of a return to 3-year screening.
Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training vs. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Fat Loss and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in the Young and Middle-Aged a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Guo Zhicheng , Li Meng , Cai Jianguang , Gong Weiqi , Liu Yin , Liu Ze
Published: March 2023

Objectives: This systematic review is conducted to evaluate the effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in the young and middle-aged. Methods: Seven databases were searched from their inception to 22 October 2022 for studies (randomized controlled trials only) with HIIT and MICT intervention. Meta-analysis was carried out for within-group (pre-intervention vs. post-intervention) and between-group (HIIT vs. MICT) comparisons for change in body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), percent fat mass (PFM), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and CRF. Results: A total of 1738 studies were retrieved from the database, and 29 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Within-group analyses indicated that both HIIT and MICT can bring significant improvement in body composition and CRF, except for FFM. Between-group analyses found that compared to MICT, HIIT brings significant benefits to WC, PFM, and VO2peak. Conclusions: The effect of HIIT on fat loss and CRF in the young and middle-aged is similar to or better than MICT, which might be influenced by age (18–45 years), complications (obesity), duration (>6 weeks), frequency, and HIIT interval. Despite the clinical significance of the improvement being limited, HIIT appears to be more time-saving and enjoyable than MICT.
Predicting Fecal Indicator Bacteria Using Spatial Stream Network Models in A Mixed-Land-Use Suburban Watershed in New Jersey, USA
Authors: Hsu Tsung-Ta David , Yu Danlin , Wu Meiyin
Published: March 2023

Good water quality safeguards public health and provides economic benefits through recreational opportunities for people in urban and suburban environments. However, expanding impervious areas and poorly managed sanitary infrastructures result in elevated concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria and waterborne pathogens in adjacent waterways and increased waterborne illness risk. Watershed characteristics, such as urban land, are often associated with impaired microbial water quality. Within the proximity of the New York–New Jersey–Pennsylvania metropolitan area, the Musconetcong River has been listed in the Clean Water Act’s 303 (d) List of Water Quality-Limited Waters due to high concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB). In this study, we aimed to apply spatial stream network (SSN) models to associate key land use variables with E. coli as an FIB in the suburban mixed-land-use Musconetcong River watershed in the northwestern New Jersey. The SSN models explicitly account for spatial autocorrelation in stream networks and have been widely utilized to identify watershed attributes linked to deteriorated water quality indicators. Surface water samples were collected from the five mainstem and six tributary sites along the middle section of the Musconetcong River from May to October 2018. The log10 geometric means of E. coli concentrations for all sampling dates and during storm events were derived as response variables for the SSN modeling, respectively. A nonspatial model based on an ordinary least square regression and two spatial models based on Euclidean and stream distance were constructed to incorporate four upstream watershed attributes as explanatory variables, including urban, pasture, forest, and wetland. The results indicate that upstream urban land was positively and significantly associated with the log10 geometric mean concentrations of E. coli for all sampling cases and during storm events, respectively (p < 0.05). Prediction of E. coli concentrations by SSN models identified potential hot spots prone to water quality deterioration. The results emphasize that anthropogenic sources were the main threats to microbial water quality in the suburban Musconetcong River watershed. The SSN modeling approaches from this study can serve as a novel microbial water quality modeling framework for other watersheds to identify key land use stressors to guide future urban and suburban water quality restoration directions in the USA and beyond.
Exploring and Deepening the Facets of Mentalizing: The Integration of Network and Factorial Analysis Approaches to Verify the Psychometric Properties of the Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ)
Authors: Gori Alessio , Topino Eleonora
Published: March 2023

Mentalization is a complex and multifaceted trans-theoretical and trans-diagnostic construct that has found increasing application in the clinical context. This research aimed at deepening the psychometric properties of the Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ), a 33-item theoretically based self-report questionnaire allowing for a comprehensive assessment of mentalizing, by integrating factor analysis and network analysis approaches. A sample of 1640 participants (Mage = 33 years; SD = 13.28) was involved in the research. The six-factor structure was confirmed for the MMQ, and both the total and the subdimensions demonstrated good reliability. The network analysis has further enriched these results, showing the central role of the items attributable to Emotional Dysregulation or Reflexivity in influencing the network as well as the contribution of aspects related to Relational Discomfort in managing the flow of communication flow. Such findings may have useful clinical implications and emphasize the usefulness of the MMQ in both research and clinical practice.
Use of Virtual Reality and Videogames in the Physiotherapy Treatment of Stroke Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Peláez-Vélez Francisco-Javier , Eckert Martina , Gacto-Sánchez Mariano , Martínez-Carrasco Ángel
Published: March 2023

A stroke is a neurological condition with a high impact in terms of physical disability in the adult population, requiring specific and effective rehabilitative approaches. Virtual reality (VR), a technological approach in constant evolution, has great applicability in many fields of rehabilitation, including strokes. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of a traditional neurological physiotherapy-based approach combined with the implementation of a specific VR-based program in the treatment of patients following rehabilitation after a stroke. Participants (n = 24) diagnosed with a stroke in the last six months were randomly allocated into a control group (n = 12) and an experimental group (n = 12). Both groups received one-hour sessions of neurological physiotherapy over 6 weeks, whilst the experimental group was, in addition, supplemented with VR. Patients were assessed through the Daniels and Worthingham Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale, Motor Index, Trunk Control Test, Tinetti Balance Scale, Berg Balance Scale and the Functional Ambulation Classification of the Hospital of Sagunto. Statistically significant improvements were obtained in the experimental group with respect to the control group on the Motricity Index (p = 0.005), Trunk Control Test (p = 0.008), Tinetti Balance Scale (p = 0.004), Berg Balance Scale (p = 0.007) and the Functional Ambulation Classification of the Hospital of Sagunto (p = 0.038). The use of VR in addition to the traditional physiotherapy approach is a useful strategy in the treatment of strokes.
Labour-Market Characteristics and Self-Rated Health: Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Pan Yuwei , Pikhart Hynek , Bobak Martin , Pikhartova Jitka
Published: March 2023

In the face of labour-force ageing, understanding labour-market characteristics and the health status of middle-aged and older workers is important for sustainable social and economic development. Self-rated health (SRH) is a widely-used instrument to detect health problems and predict mortality. This study investigated labour-market characteristics that may have an impact on the SRH among Chinese middle-aged and older workers, using data from the national baseline wave of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. The analytical sample included 3864 individuals who at the time held at least one non-agricultural job. Fourteen labour-market characteristics were clearly defined and investigated. Multiple logistic regression models of the associations of each labour-market characteristic with SRH were estimated. Seven labour-market characteristics were associated with higher odds of poor SRH when controlled for age and sex. Employment status and earned income remained significantly associated with poor SRH, when controlling for all the sociodemographic factors and health behaviours. Doing unpaid work in family businesses is associated with 2.07 (95% CI, 1.51–2.84) times probability of poor SRH, compared with employed individuals. Compared with more affluent individuals (highest quintile of earned income), people in the fourth and fifth quintiles had 1.92 (95% CI, 1.29–2.86) times and 2.72 (95% CI, 1.83–4.02) times higher chance, respectively, of poor SRH. In addition, residence type and region were important confounders. Measures improving adverse working conditions should be taken to prevent future risk of impaired health among the Chinese middle-aged and older workforce.