bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement and Spatial Variation of Green Total Factor Productivity of the Tourism Industry in China
Authors: Li Xingming , Shi Pengfei , Han Yazhi , Deng Aimin , Liu Duan
Published: February 2020

Promoting tourism in China using sustainable practices has become a very important issue. In order to analyze temporal characteristics and spatial regularities of green total factor productivity (GTFP), carbon emissions and the consumption of energy related to tourism in China were estimated using a "bottom-up" method. The construction of a measurement framework (including carbon emissions and energy consumption) of GTFP for the tourism industry was also undertaken. The data envelopment analysis (DEA) model and the Malmquist–Luenberger (ML) index were used to measure and calculate tourism GTFP in China between 2007 and 2018, as well as analyze spatio-temporal differences. Results indicate that: (1) carbon emissions and the consumption of energy are increasing, and they have not yet peaked, with traffic associated with tourism accounting for the largest proportion among tourism sectors; the spatial distribution of carbon emissions and the consumption of energy is not balanced; (2) green development of tourism in China has achieved a good level of performance during the study period, driven by technical efficiency. Since 2014, pure technical efficiency (PE) has been >1, indicating that the tourism industry in China has entered a stage of change and promotion; (3) significant spatial differences exist in tourism GTFP in China. For example, the overall pattern of being strongest in the east and weakest in the west has not changed. Currently, eastern, central, and western regions in China rely on different dynamic mechanisms to promote tourism green development. In addition, some provinces have become the core or secondary growth poles of tourism green development in China.
The Effects of Dehydration on Metabolic and Neuromuscular Functionality during Cycling
Authors: Campa Francesco , Piras Alessandro , Raffi Milena , Trofè Aurelio , Perazzolo Monica , Mascherini Gabriele , Toselli Stefania
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to determine the effects of dehydration on metabolic and neuromuscular functionality performance during a cycling exercise. Ten male subjects (age 23.4 ± 2.7 years; body weight 74.6 ± 10.4 kg; height 177.3 ± 4.6 cm) cycled at 65% VO2max for 60 min followed by a time-to-trial (TT) at 95% VO2max, in two different conditions: dehydration (DEH) and hydration (HYD). The bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) and body weight measurements were performed to assess body fluid changes. Heart rate (HR), energy cost, minute ventilation, oxygen uptake, and metabolic power were evaluated during the experiments. In addition, neuromuscular activity of the vastus medialis and biceps femoris muscles were assessed by surface electromyography. After exercise induced dehydration, the bioimpedance vector significantly lengthens along the major axis of the BIVA graph, in conformity with the body weight change (−2%), that indicates a fluid loss. Metabolic and neuromuscular parameters significantly increased during TT at 95% VO2max with respect to constant workload at 65% of VO2max. Dehydration during a one-hour cycling test and subsequent TT caused a significant increase in HR, while neuromuscular function showed a lower muscle activation in dehydration conditions on both constant workload and on TT. Furthermore, a significant difference between HYD and DEH for TT duration was found.
Comparison of the Effect of Different Resistance Training Frequencies on Phase Angle and Handgrip Strength in Obese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Toselli Stefania , Badicu Georgian , Bragonzoni Laura , Spiga Federico , Mazzuca Paolo , Campa Francesco
Published: February 2020

Phase angle (PA) is a strong predictor of sarcopenia, fragility, and risk of mortality in obese people, while an optimal muscular function and handgrip strength (HS) are required to perform different daily activities. Although there is a general agreement that resistance training improves health status in obese people, the optimal weekly training frequency for PA and physical performance parameters is not clear. This study aimed to compare the effects of different weekly resistance training frequencies performed over a 24 week exercise program on PA and HS in obese people. Forty-two women (56.2 ± 9.1 years, body mass index (BMI) 37.1 ± 4.9 kg/m2) were randomly allocated to one of two groups: a group with a high weekly training frequency of three times a week (HIGH, n = 21) and a group that performed only one weekly session (LOW, n = 21). The groups trained with an identical exercise intensity and volume per session for 6 months. Before and after the intervention period, the participants were assessed for anthropometric measures, bioimpedance analysis, and HS. There was a significant group × time interaction (p < 0.05) for waist circumference, bioimpedance reactance divided by body height (Xc/H), PA, and HS measures. In addition, only the HIGH group increased Xc/H, PA, and HS after the intervention period (p < 0.05), even after adjusting for weight loss and menopausal status. Physical exercise performed three times a week promotes better adaptations in PA and HS when compared with the same program performed once a week in obese women.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Cultivated Land Quality at County Scale: A Case Study of Shengzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Tan Yongzhong , Chen Hang , Lian Kuan , Yu Zhenning
Published: February 2020

The existing evaluation system of cultivated land quality mainly considers the natural quality and utilisation conditions, but without sufficient emphasis on ecological environment, which can’t meet the requirements of the trinity pattern protection policy. This study, using GIS spatial analysis and multifactor comprehensive evaluation method, constructed a comprehensive evaluation index system, and applied it in Shengzhou. The results show that: (1) under the comprehensive evaluation system, the quality of cultivated land was classified into five levels and revealed normal distribution with the third level cultivated land area as the peak, successive reduction to the two poles, and the overall quality was good relatively; (2) A close relationship was observed between the quality grade of cultivated land and the landform, the valley plain with highest cultivated land quality was the main grain-producing areas. However, the cultivated land in mountainous areas was poor relatively, and vulnerable to geological disasters; (3) The quality grade of cultivated land was related to economical activities directly. The high-quality cultivated land resources made these towns the main grain-producing areas with many agricultural industries distribution. This study provided a new assessment approach that can support cultivated land grading, quality improvement, and sustainable usage, as well as providing a reference for related research and application.
Land Subsidence Related to Coal Mining in China Revealed by L-Band InSAR Analysis
Authors: Zheng Liping , Zhu Lin , Wang Wei , Guo Lin , Chen Beibei
Published: February 2020

Geological disasters, including ground deformation, fractures and collapse, are serious problems in coal mining regions, which have threatened the sustainable development for local industry. The Ordos Basin is most known for its abundant coal resources. Over-mining the underground coal resources had induced land deformation. Detecting the evolution of the land deformation features and identifying the potential risk are important for decision-makers to prevent geological disasters. We analyzed land subsidence induced by coal mining in a 200 km 2 area in the Ordos Basin for the time period 2006–2015. ALOS-1 PALSAR images from December 2006 to January 2011 and ALOS-2 PALSAR-2 images from December 2014 to July 2015, optical remotely sensed images and coal mining information were collected. The small baseline subset interferometric synthetic aperture radar (SBAS-InSAR) method and differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar (D-InSAR) method, GIS and statistical analysis were adopted. Results show that the maximum subsidence rate and cumulative subsidence along the line of sight (LOS) were −65 mm/year and −246 mm, respectively, from December 2006 to January 2011. The maximum cumulative subsidence was −226 mm from December 2014 to July 2015. The new boundary of the mining goafs from 2014 to 2015 and the most dangerous risk region were mapped. Moreover, the effect of large-scale mining coal, with the production volume exceeds 1.2 million tons per year, with the operation time more than 20 years on land subsidence was found greater than small and medium-scale coal mines and reached −59 mm/year. The recently established small-sized and medium-sized coal mines show high land subsidence. This study will contribute to better understand the land subsidence process in mining region and provide scientific support for government to prevent land subsidence.
Changes in Microbial Community Structures under Reclaimed Water Replenishment Conditions
Authors: Li Jie , Sun Yujiao , Wang Xiaoyu , Xu Shangwei
Published: February 2020

Using reclaimed water as a resource for landscape water replenishment may alleviate the major problems of water resource shortages and water environment pollution. However, the safety of the reclaimed water and the risk of eutrophication caused by the reclaimed water replenishment are unclear to the public and to the research community. This study aimed to reveal the differences between natural water and reclaimed water and to discuss the rationality of reclaimed water replenishment from the perspective of microorganisms. The microbial community structures in natural water, reclaimed water and natural biofilms were analyzed, and the community succession was clarified along the ecological niches, water resources, fluidity and time using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Primary biofilms without the original community were added to study the formation of microbial community structures under reclaimed water acclimation. The results showed that the difference caused by ecological niches was more than those caused by the fluidity of water and different water resources. No significant difference caused by the addition of reclaimed water was found in the microbial diversity and community structure. Based on the results of microbial analysis, reclaimed water replenishment is a feasible solution that can be used for supplying river water.
Exploring the Factors Triggering Occupational Ethics Risk of Technology Transaction in Chinese Construction Industry
Authors: Liu Xun , Lin Sen , Liu Lixing , Qian Fei , Zhang Kun
Published: February 2020

The importance of occupational ethics risk considerations during technology transaction in the construction industry is acknowledged. This is particularly in that the industry plays a significant part in a nation’s development. The technology transaction has seen an increase in activity due to massive infrastructure development programmers adopted by governments and increase in external investment. The technology transaction, like any other, is not immune to unethical occupational behavior. This study aims to investigate the source of occupational ethics risk during technology transaction in the Chinese construction industry. A review of literature demonstrated that a number of contextual factors can influence unethical occupational risk practices. In total, 130 engineering practitioners took part in a questionnaire survey to explore the source of occupational ethics risk during the technology transaction in the Chinese construction industry. Firstly, there were 25 factors identified through literature review overall, which were sorted and analyzed. Among the twenty-five factors, three were identified as the most significant factors: Unreasonable incentives for technology trading; poor regulation; and asymmetry of information. Then, through exploratory factor analysis (EPA) method, the twenty-five factors were divided into seven groups: legal environment, industry environment, incompleteness of information, asymmetry of information, difficulty of observation of information, differences between the two sides of cooperation, and incorrect conceptual awareness. This study provided an added dimension to the understanding of occupational ethics risk issues during the technology transaction in the Chinese construction industry. This paper therefore contributes to the list of countries where similar studies have been undertaken.
Particle and Carbon Dioxide Concentration Levels in a Surgical Room Conditioned with a Window/Wall Air-Conditioning System
Authors: Pereira Marcelo , Tribess Arlindo , Buonanno Giorgio , Stabile Luca , Scungio Mauro , Baffo Ilaria
Published: February 2020

One of the most important functions of air conditioning systems in operating rooms is to protect occupants against pathogenic agents transported by air. This protection is done by simultaneously controlling the air distribution, temperature, humidity, filtration and infiltration from other areas etc. Due to their low price, simple installation, operation and maintenance, window/wall air conditioning system have largely been used in operating rooms in Brazil, even if these types of equipment only recirculate the air inside the room without appropriate filtration and renovation with outdoor air. In this context, this work aims to analyse the performance of the window/wall air conditioning systems on indoor air ventilation in operating rooms by measuring particle number concentrations and carbon dioxide concentrations during different surgical procedures, in a single surgical room and in the nearby areas (corridor) for two cases: single surgery and two subsequent surgeries. In addition, the efficiency of the analysed air conditioning system was evaluated by comparing the ventilation level calculated in the surgical room with the ventilation required in order to maintain the carbon dioxide concentration within acceptable levels. The results showed that this type of air conditioning system is not appropriate for use in operating rooms since it cannot provide an adequate level of ventilation. The CO2 concentrations during surgeries, in fact, significantly exceeded acceptable values and a simultaneous increase in particle number concentration was observed. The results also showed that there is a high risk of contamination between subsequent surgeries in the same surgical room, due to residues of contaminants transported by the particles emitted during the surgeries that were not removed from the operating room by the air conditioning system. The particle number concentration measured in the second surgery, in fact, was approximately six times higher than in the first surgery.
Aligning Community-Engaged Research to Context
Authors: London Jonathan K. , Haapanen Krista A. , Backus Ann , Mack Savannah M. , Lindsey Marti , Andrade Karen
Published: February 2020

Community-engaged research is understood as existing on a continuum from less to more community engagement, defined by participation and decision-making authority. It has been widely assumed that more is better than less engagement. However, we argue that what makes for good community engagement is not simply the extent but the fit or alignment between the intended approach and the various contexts shaping the research projects. This article draws on case studies from three Community Engagement Cores (CECs) of NIEHS-funded Environmental Health Science Core Centers (Harvard University, UC Davis and University of Arizona,) to illustrate the ways in which community engagement approaches have been fit to different contexts and the successes and challenges experienced in each case. We analyze the processes through which the CECs work with researchers and community leaders to develop place-based community engagement approaches and find that different strategies are called for to fit distinct contexts. We find that alignment of the scale and scope of the environmental health issue and related research project, the capacities and resources of the researchers and community leaders, and the influences of the sociopolitical environment are critical for understanding and designing effective and equitable engagement approaches. These cases demonstrate that the types and degrees of alignment in community-engaged research projects are dynamic and evolve over time. Based on this analysis, we recommend that CBPR scholars and practitioners select a range of project planning and management techniques for designing and implementing their collaborative research approaches and both expect and allow for the dynamic and changing nature of alignment.
Determinants of Breastfeeding Duration in Shiraz, Southwest Iran
Authors: Zarshenas Mahnaz , Zhao Yun , Scott Jane A. , Binns Colin W.
Published: February 2020

A prospective cohort study was conducted in Shiraz in the south west of Iran to investigate breastfeeding from birth to six months of age. Mothers were recruited in a face-to-face interview within 48 h of giving birth in three public and two private hospitals (n = 700). They were then followed-up at 4, 12, 16, and 26 weeks postpartum in local Maternal and Child Health Clinics. Upon being discharge from hospital, 98.7% of mothers were breastfeeding and 74.3% were ‘fully’ breastfeeding, but only 29.9% of mothers had breastfed ‘exclusively’ since birth. The median duration of ‘full’ breastfeeding was 13 weeks and less than 1 week for exclusive breastfeeding. In a multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression, after adjustment, shorter durations of ‘exclusive’, ‘full’, and ‘any’ breastfeeding were associated with the introduction of a pacifier. The in-hospital use of formula and prelacteal feeds were also associated with a shorter duration of full and any breastfeeding. Breastfeeding on demand at 3 months and beyond was associated with a longer duration of breastfeeding. The risk factors associated with the premature discontinuation of breastfeeding identified in this study are all related to the “Ten steps to successful breastfeeding” and the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). The principles that the BFHI provide are reaffirmed in this study as the basis for future breastfeeding promotion programs.
Association of Urinary Levels of Bisphenols A, F, and S with Endometriosis Risk: Preliminary Results of the EndEA Study
Authors: Peinado Francisco M. , Lendínez Inmaculada , Sotelo Rafael , Iribarne-Durán Luz M. , Fernández-Parra Jorge , Vela-Soria Fernando , Olea Nicolás , Fernández Mariana F. , Freire Carmen , León Josefa , Pérez-Cabrera Beatriz , Ocón-Hernández Olga , Artacho-Cordón Francisco
Published: February 2020

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore associations of urinary concentrations of bisphenols A (BPA), S (BPS), and F (BPF) and of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) with the risk of endometriosis in women of childbearing age. Methods: This case–control study enrolled 124 women between January 2018 and July 2019: 35 women with endometriosis (cases) and 89 women without endometriosis undergoing abdominal surgery for other reasons (controls). Endometriosis was diagnosed (cases) or ruled out (controls) by laparoscopic inspection of the pelvis and the biopsy of suspected lesions (histological diagnosis). Fasting urine samples were collected before surgery to determine concentrations of BPA, BPS, BPF, and TBARS. Associations of bisphenol and TBARS concentrations with endometriosis risk were explored with multivariate logistic and linear regression analyses. Results: After adjustment for urinary creatinine, age, BMI, parity, and residence, endometriosis risk was increased with each 1 log unit of BPA [OR 1.5; 95%CI 1.0–2.3] and Σbisphenols [OR 1.5; 95%CI 0.9–2.3] but was not associated with the presence of BPS and BPF. Classification of the women by tertiles of exposure revealed statistically significant associations between endometriosis risk and the second tertile of exposure to BPA [OR 3.7; 95%CI 1.3–10.3] and Σbisphenols [OR 5.4; 95%CI 1.9–15.6]. In addition, TBARS concentrations showed a close-to-significant relationship with increased endometriosis risk [OR 1.6; 95%CI 1.0–2.8], and classification by TBARS concentration tertile revealed that the association between endometriosis risk and concentrations of BPA [OR 2.0; 95%CI 1.0–4.1] and Σbisphenols [OR 2.2; 95%CI 1.0–4.6] was only statistically significant for women in the highest TBARS tertile (>4.23 μM). Conclusion: Exposure to bisphenols may increase the risk of endometriosis, and oxidative stress may play a crucial role in this association. Further studies are warranted to verify these findings.
Analytical Methodology for the Identification of Critical Zones on the Generation of Solid Waste in Large Urban Areas
Authors: Solano Meza Johanna Karina , Rodrigo-Ilarri Javier , Romero Hernández Claudia Patricia , Rodrigo-Clavero Mª Elena
Published: February 2020

One of the main environmental issues to address in large urban areas is the ever-increasing generation of municipal solid waste (MSW) and the need to manage it properly. Despite significant efforts having been made to implement comprehensive solid waste management systems, current management methods often do not provide sustainable alternatives which ensure the reduction of solid waste generation. This paper presents an analytical methodology that employs a combination of geographic information system techniques (GIS) along with statistical and numerical optimization methods to evaluate solid waste generation in large urban areas. The methodology was successfully applied to evaluate MSW generation in different exclusive service areas (ASES) of the city of Bogotá (Colombia). The results of the analysis on the solid waste generation data in each collection area in terms of its socioeconomic level are presented below. These socioeconomic levels are explained by defining different strata in terms of their purchasing power. The results demonstrate the usefulness of these GIS and numerical optimization techniques as a valuable complementary tool to analyze and design efficient and sustainable solid waste management systems.
School-Based Sedentary Behavior, Physical Activity, and Health-Related Outcomes among Hispanic Children in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gu Xiangli , Zhang Tao , Chen Senlin , Keller M Jean , Zhang Xiaoxia
Published: February 2020

The main purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between school-based sedentary behavior, physical activity, and health-related outcomes, including cardiorespiratory fitness, weight status, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Hispanic children. The participants were 374 children (192 boys, 182 girls; Mage = 9.64) recruited from four elementary schools from 3rd grade through to 5th grade. Sedentary behavior and physical activity behaviors (light physical activity [LPA] and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA)) during school were measured by accelerometers. Cardiorespiratory fitness and weight status were measured using the FITNESSGRAM®, while HRQOL was measured using the PedsQL 4.0TM Spanish version, a validated questionnaire. Sedentary behavior was negatively correlated with cardiorespiratory fitness and HRQOL but positively associated with weight status. MVPA was positively correlated with cardiorespiratory fitness and HRQOL, but negatively associated with weight status and sedentary behavior. Multiple regressions demonstrated that sedentary behavior significantly predicted cardiorespiratory fitness and weight status, whereas MVPA significantly predicted HRQOL. With the current public health priority aiming to reduce health disparities in minority populations, the findings of this study provide important insights. Educators, health care providers, or other professionals working with Hispanic children are encouraged to focus on reducing sedentary behavior and promoting physical activity to improve their health-related outcomes.
Environmental Orientation, Green Supply Chain Management, and Firm Performance: Empirical Evidence from Chinese Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Bu Xiangzhi , Dang Wilson V.T. , Wang Jianming , Liu Qiu
Published: February 2020

This study investigates the relationship between environmental orientation and firm performance with the mediating role of green supply chain management (GSCM). This study uses a survey questionnaire to collect data from 247 CEOs from Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Structural equation modeling is used to analyze data and test hypotheses. Empirical results show that internal and external environmental orientations are positively related to the three elements of GSCM, namely, environmental selection, monitoring, and collaboration with suppliers which are also positively related to firm performance. In addition, results show that environmental selection, monitoring, and collaboration with suppliers mediates the relationship between internal and external environmental orientations and firm performance. The findings provide important implications for academic researchers and business managers in planning and implementing environmental strategies. In terms of theoretical implications, this study sheds a new light to current knowledge about the effect of environmental orientation on GSCM and firm performance of SMEs. This study also provides empirical evidence to clarify the mediating mechanism of GSCM in the link between environmental orientation and firm performance of SMEs. In terms of practical implications, this study provides knowledge for managers of SMEs to better understand the important role of environmental orientation and green supply chain management. Findings of this study provide knowledge for managers of SMEs to make their business policies better.
Predicting Sustainable Employability in Swedish Healthcare: The Complexity of Social Job Resources
Authors: Roczniewska Marta , Richter Anne , Hasson Henna , Schwarz Ulrica von Thiele
Published: February 2020

Achieving sustainable employability (SE), i.e., when employees are able to continue working in a productive, satisfactory, and healthy manner, is a timely challenge for healthcare. Because healthcare is a female-dominated sector, our paper investigated the role of social job resources in promoting SE. To better illustrate the complexity of the organizational environment, we incorporated resources that operate at different levels (individual, group) and in different planes (horizontal, vertical): trust (individual-vertical), teamwork (group-horizontal), and transformational leadership (group-vertical). Based on the job demands-resources model, we predicted that these resources initiate the motivational process and thus promote SE. To test these predictions, we conducted a 3-wave study in 42 units of a healthcare organization in Sweden. The final study sample consisted of 269 professionals. The results of the multilevel analyses demonstrated that, at the individual level, vertical trust was positively related to all three facets of SE. Next, at the group level, teamwork had a positive link with employee health and productivity, while transformational leadership was negatively related to productivity. These findings underline the importance of acknowledging the levels and planes at which social job resources operate to more accurately capture the complexity of organizational phenomena and to design interventions that target the right level of the environment.
Urban Form, Air Quality, and Cardiorespiratory Mortality: A Path Analysis
Authors: Li Chaosu , Song Yan , Tian Li , Ouyang Wei
Published: February 2020

With the unprecedented urbanization during the past three decades, air quality in many Chinese cities has been a serious issue which poses great challenges for urban sustainability. This study examines the health consequences of development patterns in China by establishing the linkage between urban form, air pollution level, and cardiorespiratory mortality rate. We assembled a dataset by compiling a series of variables from multiple sources, including China’s Disease Surveillance Points (DSP) system, which forms a nationally representative sample of mortality for the year 2005, Chinese census, satellite imagery, and the Chinese National Land Use Database. After controlling for local climate, demography, socioeconomics, and other pollution factors, this study finds that urban form elements (e.g., urban density, fragmentation level, forest/green space ratio) have significant influences on PM2.5 (atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometers) concentration, thus influencing the incidence of cardiorespiratory mortality at the county level. These results may help explain how the type and pattern of development shape public health by influencing air quality and form an evidence-based land use policy to improve environmental quality and public health.
An Empirical Study on the Benefits Equity of the Medical Security Policy: the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS)
Authors: Liu Huan , Dai Weidong
Published: February 2020

Background: One of the fundamental objectives of the basic medical security system is to provide institutional guarantees for the appropriate medical needs of different groups. Among them, achieving fairness of benefits is the first principle of the system. This study aims to explore the benefit equity of preventive health care for different groups and the specific path to promote fairness. Methods: Based on the 2015 CHNS survey data, through the theory construction of benefit fairness in the basic medical insurance and using the two-stage IV-Heckman model, the paper analyzes the benefit fairness of the basic medical insurance in urban and rural China. Results: This study indicates that (1) the results of empirical and theoretical models are not consistent with the sample of the insured population. (2) As private medical insurance and medical assistance are restricted in the model, the reimbursement ratio of medical insurance in other income groups is all higher than the highest one. However, the coefficient is getting larger, with the lowest income group having the largest coefficient. After controlling for variables of disease and severity, the results suggest that the main impact path is hospitalization costs. (3) Taking the highest income group as a reference, the compensation proportion of preventive health care in other groups is higher, respectively, than the reference group, while the groups below middle income have a significant relationship with compensation for preventive health care. Conclusions: Supplementary private medical insurance and medical assistance have important protection functions for low- and middle-income populations. However, owing to the actual income threshold, the two groups cannot benefit from the medical security system. This result is still valid in the field of preventive health care. The increase of preventive health care expenditure reduces the cost of individual hospitalization, but the high-income group has emerged with more preventive health care expenditures, creating new unfairness.
Predicting Hand Washing and Sleep Hygiene Behaviors among College Students: Test of an Integrated Social-Cognition Model
Authors: Zhang Chun-Qing , Fang Rongyu , Zhang Ru , Hagger Martin S. , Hamilton Kyra
Published: February 2020

Objective: Hand washing and sleep hygiene are two important health behaviors. The purpose of the current study was to identify the motivational and volitional antecedents of college students’ hand washing and sleep hygiene behaviors based on an integrated model of behavior that combined social-cognition constructs from the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Health Action Process Approach (HAPA). Methods: Using a prospective design, college students (N = 1106) completed a survey assessing the motivational constructs of action self-efficacy, attitudes, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, intentions, and behaviors of hand washing and sleep hygiene at Time 1. Demographic variables were also collected. One month later, at Time 2, college students (N = 524) self-reported on their volitional factors of maintenance self-efficacy, action planning, coping planning, and behaviors of hand washing and sleep hygiene. A further 2 months later, at Time 3, college students (N = 297) were asked to self-report on their hand washing and sleep hygiene behaviors over the past month. Findings: Data were analyzed using variance-based structural equation modelling. Results showed significant direct effects of attitudes, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control on intentions; significant direct effects of action self-efficacy on maintenance self-efficacy; and significant direct effects of maintenance self-efficacy on action planning and coping planning. Significant direct effects of intention on action planning (sleep hygiene only), and significant direct effects of intention, maintenance self-efficacy (hand washing only), action and coping planning on behavior were also observed. Action planning also moderated the intention–behavior relationship, but only for hand washing. There were also significant total indirect effects of action self-efficacy on behavior mediated by maintenance self-efficacy, action planning, and coping planning for both behaviors, and significant total indirect effects of subjective norm and perceived behavioral control on behavior mediated by intention for sleep hygiene. When past behavior was included in the integrated model predicting all the psychological variables and behavior, all of the structural relations were attenuated. Discussion: Current findings indicate that college students’ hand washing and sleep hygiene behaviors are a function of both motivational and volitional factors. Findings also indicate that the TPB and HAPA pathways might differ for the two health behaviors. Implications of the current findings for future health interventions aimed at improving college students’ hand washing and sleep hygiene are discussed.
Seasonal Fluctuation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Aerosol Genotoxicity in Long-Range Transported Air Mass Observed at the Western End of Japan
Authors: Kubo Takashi , Bai Wenzhi , Nagae Masaki , Takao Yuji
Published: February 2020

In order to clarify the level transboundary air pollution caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and genotoxic substances, aerosols were collected from forest and suburban sites in Nagasaki, west Japan, for 6 years. The PAH concentration was measured, and the genotoxicity of the substances were evaluated using the umu test. The results showed no notable trends in the concentration or toxicity of either sites throughout the study period. The suburban and forest sites shared similar seasonal fluctuation patterns and quantitative values, suggesting that the western end of Japan might be affected by long-range transported pollutants, especially in winter. PAH concentration and genotoxicity showed the same seasonal patterns of increased levels in winter and lower levels in summer. This suggests that PAHs and genotoxic substances were correlated and share common sources. Back trajectory and source analyses were conducted using the diagnostic ratios of PAHs. It was predicted that air pollution by PAHs at the forest site arise predominantly as a result of biomass or coal combustion in continental regions, such as northern parts of China and the Korean Peninsula. This is particularly expected in winter. Therefore, genotoxic substances would also be strongly influenced by transboundary pollution from the continental region. In addition, it was estimated that the contribution of transboundary PAH pollution could reach 70% at the suburban site in winter.
Reclamation of Cultivated Land Reserves in Northeast China: Indigenous Ecological Insecurity Underlying National Food Security
Authors: Li Wenbo , Wang Dongyan , Liu Shuhan , Zhu Yuanli , Yan Zhuoran
Published: February 2020

The competition for land resources created by the need for food security and ecological security is intensifying globally. To resolve the issue of land scarcity in agriculture following rapid urbanization, China implemented its requisition–compensation balance policy of cultivated lands in 1997, the introduction of which consumed numerous areas of land, such as river shoal and bare land, through reclamation. Moreover, these reclaimed and newly cultivated lands were mainly distributed in the northern part of China. Most previous studies of this subject have only examined the overall balance of cultivated lands in well-developed regions, and there is a lack of knowledge about the indigenous gains and losses before and after reclamation in important areas such as northeast China. Therefore, this study selected two representative county-level units in northeast China as the study area to analyze the conversion of cultivated land reserves during 1996–2015, evaluate the performance of reclaimed cultivated lands in terms of quality and productivity and calculate reclamation-induced changes in ecosystem service value. The results indicated that by 2015 only 16.02% of the original cultivated land reserves remained unconverted; nearly 60% were reclaimed as cultivated lands and over 20% were converted to other land resources. River shoal and ruderal land were the primary resources for cultivated lands compensation, and marsh, bare land and saline-alkaline land were found to be converted the most thoroughly. The gain of 23018.55 ha reclaimed cultivated lands were of relatively inferior quality and lower productivity, contributing approximately 4.32% of total grain output. However, this modest gain was at the expense of a 768.03 million yuan ecosystem services loss, with regulating services and supporting services being undermined the most. We argue that even if northeast China continues to shoulder the responsibility of compensating for a majority of cultivated land losses, it still needs to carefully process reclamation and introduce practical measures to protect indigenous ecosystems, in order to better serve the local residents and ensure prolonged food security with sustainability.
A Detailed Review Study on Potential Effects of Microplastics and Additives of Concern on Human Health
Authors: Campanale Claudia , Massarelli Carmine , Savino Ilaria , Locaputo Vito , Uricchio Vito Felice
Published: February 2020

The distribution and abundance of microplastics into the world are so extensive that many scientists use them as key indicators of the recent and contemporary period defining a new historical epoch: The Plasticene. However, the implications of microplastics are not yet thoroughly understood. There is considerable complexity involved to understand their impact due to different physical–chemical properties that make microplastics multifaceted stressors. If, on the one hand, microplastics carry toxic chemicals in the ecosystems, thus serving as vectors of transport, they are themselves, on the other hand, a cocktail of hazardous chemicals that are added voluntarily during their production as additives to increase polymer properties and prolong their life. To date, there is a considerable lack of knowledge on the major additives of concern that are used in the plastic industry, on their fate once microplastics dispose into the environment, and on their consequent effects on human health when associated with micro and nanoplastics. The present study emphasizes the most toxic and dangerous chemical substances that are contained in all plastic products to describe the effects and implications of these hazardous chemicals on human health, providing a detailed overview of studies that have investigated their abundance on microplastics. In the present work, we conducted a capillary review of the literature on micro and nanoplastic exposure pathways and their potential risk to human health to summarize current knowledge with the intention of better focus future research in this area and fill knowledge gaps.
A Cost and Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Stand More AT Work (SMArT Work) Intervention
Authors: Munir Fehmidah , Miller Paul , Biddle Stuart J.H. , Davies Melanie J. , Dunstan David W. , Esliger Dale W. , Gray Laura J. , O’Connell Sophie E. , Waheed Ghazala , Yates Thomas , Edwardson Charlotte L.
Published: February 2020

This study conducted a cost and cost-benefit analysis of the Stand More AT (SMArT) Work workplace intervention, designed to reduce sitting time. The study was a cluster two-armed randomised controlled trial involving 37 office clusters (146 desk-based workers) in a National Health Service Trust. The intervention group received a height-adjustable workstation with supporting behaviour change strategies. The control group continued with usual practice. Self-report absenteeism, presenteeism and work productivity were assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months; and organisational sickness absence records 12 months prior to, and 12 months of the intervention. Mean per employee costs associated with SMArT Work were calculated. Absenteeism, presenteeism and work productivity were estimated, and employer-recorded absence data and employee wage-banding were used to provide a human-capital-based estimate of costs to the organisation. The return-on-investment (ROI) and incremental cost-efficacy ratios (ICER) were calculated. Intervention cost was £692.40 per employee. Cost-benefit estimates show a net saving of £1770.32 (95%CI £-354.40, £3895.04) per employee as a result of productivity increase. There were no significant differences in absence data compared to the control group. SMArT Work provides supporting evidence for policy-makers and employers on the cost benefits of reducing sitting time at work.
Neonatal Mortality and Temperature in Two Northern Swedish Rural Parishes, 1860–1899—The Significance of Ethnicity and Gender
Authors: Karlsson Lena , Lundevaller Erling H. , Schumann Barbara
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to analyze the association between season of birth and daily temperature for neonatal mortality in two Swedish rural parishes between 1860 and 1899. Further, we aimed to study whether the association varied according to ethnicity (indigenous Sami reindeer herders and non-Sami settlers) and gender. The source material for this study comprised digitized parish records from the Demographic Data Base, Umeå University, combined with local weather data provided by the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute. Using a time event-history approach, we investigated the association between daily temperature (at birth and up to 28 days after birth) and the risk of neonatal death during the coldest months (November through March). The results showed that Sami neonatal mortality was highest during winter and that the Sami neonatal mortality risk decreased with higher temperatures on the day of birth. Male neonatal risk decreased with higher temperatures during the days following birth, while no effect of temperature was observed among female neonates. We conclude that weather vulnerability differed between genders and between the indigenous and non-indigenous populations.
Amino Acids Transport and Metabolism 2.0
Authors: Scalise Mariafrancesca , Indiveri Cesare
Published: February 2020

This editorial aims to summarize the 19 scientific papers that contributed to this Special Issue.
Disruption of Bone Zinc Metabolism during Postnatal Development of Rats after Early Life Exposure to Cadmium
Authors: Boughammoura Sana , Ben Mimouna Safa , Chemek Marouen , Ostertag Agnes , Cohen-Solal Martine , Messaoudi Imed
Published: February 2020

This current study was conducted to investigate whether bone tissue impairment induced by early life exposure to cadmium (Cd) during postnatal development could result from disruption to zinc (Zn) metabolism. For this reason, the offspring from mothers receiving either tap water, Cd, Zn or Cd + Zn during gestation and lactation periods were euthanized at PND21 and PND70. At the end of the lactation period (PND21), our results showed that exposure to Cd increased Cd accumulation and Zn depletion in the femur. Furthermore, calcium (Ca) level was reduced. At the molecular level, Cd induced an increase of MT-1 expression and caused an upregulation of ZIP2 accompanied with a down-regulation of ZnT5. Runx2, ALP, colα-1 and Oc mRNA levels were also decreased. In plasma, IGF-1 and osteocalcin concentrations were decreased. Further, Cd altered femoral growth by generating changes in the growth plate. Consequently, the toxic effect of Cd persisted at adult age (PND70) by decreasing bone volume (%BV/TV), bone mineral density (BMD) and Ca content and by increasing trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) in the distal femur. Interestingly, Zn supply provided total or partial corrections of several toxic effects of Cd. These data suggest that the increases of Zn bioavailability as well as the reduction of Cd accumulation in the femur following the changes in ZIP2 and ZnT5 expression are part of the mechanism involved in Zn protection against Cd toxicity on bone tissue.
Challenges in the Diagnosis and Management of Bacterial Lung Infections in Solid Organ Recipients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Carugati Manuela , Morlacchi Letizia , Peri Anna , Alagna Laura , Rossetti Valeria , Bandera Alessandra , Gori Andrea , Blasi Francesco ,   on behalf of the IFALT Working Group
Published: February 2020

Respiratory infections pose a significant threat to the success of solid organ transplantation, and the diagnosis and management of these infections are challenging. The current narrative review addressed some of these challenges, based on evidence from the literature published in the last 20 years. Specifically, we focused our attention on (i) the obstacles to an etiologic diagnosis of respiratory infections among solid organ transplant recipients, (ii) the management of bacterial respiratory infections in an era characterized by increased antimicrobial resistance, and (iii) the development of antimicrobial stewardship programs dedicated to solid organ transplant recipients.
The Pattern of AQP4 Expression in the Ageing Human Brain and in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Authors: Owasil Raisah , O’Neill Ronan , Keable Abby , Nimmo Jacqui , MacGregor Sharp Matthew , Kelly Louise , Saito Satoshi , Simpson Julie E. , Weller Roy O. , Smith Colin , Attems Johannes , Wharton Stephen B. , Yuen Ho Ming , Carare Roxana O.
Published: February 2020

In the absence of lymphatics, fluid and solutes such as amyloid-β (Aβ) are eliminated from the brain along basement membranes in the walls of cerebral capillaries and arteries—the Intramural Peri-Arterial Drainage (IPAD) pathway. IPAD fails with age and insoluble Aβ is deposited as plaques in the brain and in IPAD pathways as cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA); fluid accumulates in the white matter as reflected by hyperintensities (WMH) on MRI. Within the brain, fluid uptake by astrocytes is regulated by aquaporin 4 (AQP4). We test the hypothesis that expression of astrocytic AQP4 increases in grey matter and decreases in white matter with onset of CAA. AQP4 expression was quantitated by immunocytochemistry and confocal microscopy in post-mortem occipital grey and white matter from young and old non-demented human brains, in CAA and in WMH. Results: AQP4 expression tended to increase with normal ageing but AQP4 expression in severe CAA was significantly reduced when compared to moderate CAA (p = 0.018). AQP4 expression tended to decline in the white matter with CAA and WMH, both of which are associated with impaired IPAD. Adjusting the level of AQP4 activity may be a valid therapeutic target for restoring homoeostasis in the brain as IPAD fails with age and CAA.