bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fine-Grained Recognition Neural Network with High-Order Feature Maps via Graph-Based Embedding for Natural Bird Diversity Conservation
Authors: Xu Xin , Yang Cheng-Cai , Xiao Yang , Kong Jian-Lei
Published: March 2023

The conservation of avian diversity plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and ecosystem function, as well as having a profound impact on human survival and livelihood. With species’ continuous and rapid decline, information and intelligent technology have provided innovative knowledge about how functional biological diversity interacts with environmental changes. Especially in complex natural scenes, identifying bird species with a real-time and accurate pattern is vital to protect the ecological environment and maintain biodiversity changes. Aiming at the fine-grained problem in bird image recognition, this paper proposes a fine-grained detection neural network based on optimizing the YOLOV5 structure via a graph pyramid attention convolution operation. Firstly, the Cross Stage Partial (CSP) structure is introduced to a brand-new backbone classification network (GPA-Net) for significantly reducing the whole model’s parameters. Then, the graph pyramid structure is applied to learn the bird image features of different scales, which enhances the fine-grained learning ability and embeds high-order features to reduce parameters. Thirdly, YOLOV5 with the soft non-maximum suppression (NMS) strategy is adopted to design the detector composition, improving the detection capability for small targets. Detailed experiments demonstrated that the proposed model achieves better or equivalent accuracy results, over-performing current advanced models in bird species identification, and is more stable and suitable for practical applications in biodiversity conservation.
Therapeutic Approach of Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Wound Healing in Animal Models: A Systematic Review
Authors: Brites-Ferreira Adrielli , Taiar Redha , Cardoso André Luiz Bandeira Dionizio , De Souza-Santos Daysa , da Costa-Borges Patricia Prado , Torres-Nunes Luiza , Jaques-Albuquerque Luelia Teles , Monteiro-Oliveira Bruno Bessa , Boyer Francois Constant , da Cunha Sá-Caputo Danúbia , Rapin Amandine , Bernardo-Filho Mario
Published: March 2023

Human skin wounds pose a gathering threat to the public health, carrying an immense epidemiologic and financial burden. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological (NP) treatments have been proposed to the management of wound healing. Physical exercise is a strong NP intervention considered for patients in wound healing. Particularly, a type of exercise intervention known as whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise has gained increasing interest. WBV exercise is generated due to the transmission of mechanical vibrations, produced by a vibrating platform, to the body. The aim of this review was to summarize studies in experimental animal models using WBV exercise in wound healing. Searches were performed in EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science including publications on 21 November 2022 using the string “whole body vibration” AND “wound healing” (animal or mice or mouse or rat or rodent). The SYRCLE tool was used to assess the risk of bias (RoB). From 48 studies, five studies met the inclusion criteria. RoB indicated that none of the studies fulfilled all methodological analyzed criteria, resulting in possible biases. The studies were homogeneous, and results suggest beneficial effects of WBV exercise in wound healing, mainly related to enhancing angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation, reducing the blood glucose level and enhancing blood microcirculation, by increasing myofiber growth and rapid re-epithelialization. In conclusion, the various biological effects of the response to the WBV exercise indicate the relevance of this intervention in wound healing in animals. Moreover, considering the translation approach, it is possible to speculate that the beneficial effects of this non-pharmacological therapy might justify clinical trials for wound healing also in humans, after criterion evaluation.
Needs and Attitudes of Older Chronic Back Pain Patients towards a Wearable for Ultrasound Biofeedback during Stabilization Exercises: A Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Perotti Luis , Stamm Oskar , Mesletzky Lisa , Vorwerg Susan , Fournelle Marc , Müller-Werdan Ursula
Published: March 2023

Chronic back pain has a high prevalence, especially in older adults, and seriously affects sufferers’ quality of life. Segmental stabilization exercise (SSE) is often used during physiotherapy to enhance core stability. The execution of SSE requires the selective contraction of deep abdominal and back muscles. Motor learning can be supported using ultrasound imaging as visual biofeedback. ULTRAWEAR is a mobile ultrasound system that provides deep learning-based biofeedback on SSE execution, which is currently under development. We interviewed 15 older chronic back pain patients (CBPPs) to investigate their pain management behavior, experience with SSE, as well as their needs and requirements for ULTRAWEAR. We also gathered information about future-usage scenarios. CBPPs reported a high willingness to use the system as a feedback tool both in physiotherapeutic practices and at home. The automated detection and evaluation of muscle contraction states was highlighted as a major benefit of the system compared to the more subjective feedback provided by traditional methods such as palpation. The system to be developed was perceived as a helpful solution to support learning about SSE.
Sociosanitary Legal and Economic Aspects in Nursing Homes for the Elderly in Spain
Authors: Vilaplana-Prieto Cristina , Gómez Martínez Carmelo S. , Echevarría Pérez Paloma , Legaz Isabel
Published: March 2023

Aim: The study aimed to identify and compare aspects of the different Spanish regulations on the minimum conditions that nursing homes must meet and to compare whether these requirements significantly affect the price of a nursing home place in each region. Methods: We analyzed and compared the 17 regional regulations that must be met by nursing homes in terms of equipment and social and healthcare staff and combined this information with regional information concerning the price and coverage of public and subsidized places in nursing homes. Results: The study revealed significant regional inequality in physical facilities and human resources. However, the number of regulatory measures referring to the mandatory availability of physical space or specific material resources was not positively correlated with an increase in the price of a place in a public or subsidized nursing home. Conclusions: No unified regulations throughout Spain regulate the aspects that residential centers must comply with. There is a need to move towards a person-centered approach, providing an environment as close to home as possible. The regulation of minimum standards to be met by all nursing homes at the national level should not significantly impact prices.
Work-Related Psychosocial Factors and Global Cognitive Function: Are Telomere Length and Low-Grade Inflammation Potential Mediators of This Association?
Authors: Duchaine Caroline S. , Brisson Chantal , Diorio Caroline , Talbot Denis , Maunsell Elizabeth , Carmichael Pierre-Hugues , Giguère Yves , Gilbert-Ouimet Mahée , Trudel Xavier , Ndjaboué Ruth , Vézina Michel , Milot Alain , Mâsse Benoît , Dionne Clermont E. , Laurin Danielle
Published: March 2023

The identification of modifiable factors that could maintain cognitive function is a public health priority. It is thought that some work-related psychosocial factors help developing cognitive reserve through high intellectual complexity. However, they also have well-known adverse health effects and are considered to be chronic psychosocial stressors. Indeed, these stressors could increase low-grade inflammation and promote oxidative stress associated with accelerated telomere shortening. Both low-grade inflammation and shorter telomeres have been associated with a cognitive decline. This study aimed to evaluate the total, direct, and indirect effects of work-related psychosocial factors on global cognitive function overall and by sex, through telomere length and an inflammatory index. A random sample of 2219 participants followed over 17 years was included in this study, with blood samples and data with cognitive function drawn from a longitudinal study of 9188 white-collar workers (51% female). Work-related psychosocial factors were evaluated according to the Demand–Control–Support and the Effort–Reward Imbalance (ERI) models. Global cognitive function was evaluated with the validated Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Telomere length and inflammatory biomarkers were measured using standardised protocols. The direct and indirect effects were estimated using a novel mediation analysis method developed for multiple correlated mediators. Associations were observed between passive work or low job control, and shorter telomeres among females, and between low social support at work, ERI or iso-strain, and a higher inflammatory index among males. An association was observed with higher cognitive performance for longer telomeres, but not for the inflammatory index. Passive work overall, and low reward were associated with lower cognitive performance in males; whereas, high psychological demand in both males and females and high job strain in females were associated with a higher cognitive performance. However, none of these associations were mediated by telomere length or the inflammatory index. This study suggests that some work-related psychosocial factors could be associated with shorter telomeres and low-grade inflammation, but these associations do not explain the relationship between work-related psychosocial factors and global cognitive function. A better understanding of the biological pathways, by which these factors affect cognitive function, could guide future preventive strategies to maintain cognitive function and promote healthy aging.
Research on the Effect of Digital Economy on Carbon Emissions under the Background of “Double Carbon”
Authors: Cheng Sainan , Qu Guohua
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: In light of the global economy’s digitalization and the “double carbon” target constraint, the digital economy is essential to fostering scientific and technological innovation, green growth, and lowering energy emissions. (2) Methods: This paper measures the digital economic index and carbon emission intensity and analyzes their characteristics in spatial and temporal dimensions using 282 Chinese urban panel data by improving various statistical methods of panel data, such as the entropy method, fixed effect model, multi-period DID model, moderating effect model and intermediary effect model. This paper examines the extent and mechanism of the digital economy’s impact on urban carbon emissions. (3) Results: During the sample period, the overall trend of the digital economy in China was one of constant growth, showing an unbalanced distribution pattern of “high in the eastern regions, lower in the central regions and lowest in the western regions” in the spatial dimension. Carbon emissions can be significantly decreased by the digital economy, which has a dynamic effect and an inverted U-shaped trend in its influence. The digital economy plays a significant role in reducing carbon emissions through the rational layout of industrial structures. The transmission mechanisms for the digital economy’s goal of reducing carbon emissions include environmental regulation and green technology innovation. (4) Conclusion: The research findings provide a reference for multiple decision makers to better formulate carbon emission policies and realize carbon emission decrease in the digital economy.
Evaluation of Enterprise Green Mine Construction Based on DPSIR Model
Authors: Yang Wei , Xue Mengge , Wang Yaping , Long Tao , Deng Sha , Deng Bo , Fang Nan
Published: March 2023

As a new mode of mining development, green mine optimizes the development and utilization of mineral resources with a minimum of the environmental impact, and how to objectively evaluate the construction level of the green mine has become the key to promote green mine construction and it has also been an important path to achieve sustainable development of mineral resources. The evaluation system and methods of green mine construction, however, are not perfect at present as the existing green mine evaluation mostly adopts the index scoring accumulation method, with which the internal relations between the indicators are ignored, and the subjective influence it causes is too large. Based on the framework model of driving forces, pressure, state, impact and response, an indicator system is constructed in this paper to express the internal relationship between indicators more intuitively. Combined with subjective and objective combination weighting method to determine the index weight, TOPSIS and coupling coordination degree models are introduced to quantitatively evaluate the spatio-temporal evolution process of green mine construction and the coupling coordination between subsystems, analyze and obtain the main obstacle factors affecting the green mine construction of enterprises, and provide suggestions and countermeasures for the improvement of green mine construction of enterprises. The applicability of the model is verified by an actual case study of a mine in China. The model enriches the connotation of green mines, making the evaluation process and results fairer and more reliable, thus providing an effective way to promote the sustainable development of mines.
Life Satisfaction and Self-Esteem in Older Adults Engaging in Formal Volunteering: A Cross-Sectional Study in Taiwan
Authors: Chu Jo-Tzu , Koo Malcolm
Published: March 2023

Previous research has reported an association between life satisfaction, self-esteem, and volunteering. However, it is unclear whether self-esteem is associated with life satisfaction in older adults who are already engaged in volunteering. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between life satisfaction and self-esteem in older adults who were formally volunteering at a non-governmental organization in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 186 formal volunteers aged ≥ 65 years who were recruited from the Keelung chapter of the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation in Taiwan. A hierarchical stepwise linear regression was used to examine the association between scores on the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and the Hedonic and Eudaimonic Motives for Activities-Revised (HEMA-R) scale. The results showed that SWLS was significantly associated with RSES score (standardized beta (std. β) = 0.199, p = 0.003), the eudaimonic subscale score of the HEMA-R (std. β = 0.353, p < 0.001), a vegetarian diet (std. β = 0.143, p = 0.027), and volunteering for five days or more a week (std. β = 0.161, p = 0.011). In conclusion, improving self-esteem and promoting eudaimonic motives in older adults who are formally volunteering could be effective strategies for enhancing their levels of life satisfaction.
Ventilatory Pattern Influences Tolerance to Normobaric Hypoxia in Healthy Adults
Authors: Albertus-Cámara Inés , Rochel-Vera Cristina , Lomas-Albaladejo Jose-Luis , Ferrer-López Vicente , Martínez-González-Moro Ignacio
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Tolerance to breathing in conditions with a decreased oxygen ratio is subject-specific. A normobaric hypoxia tolerance test (NHTT) is performed to assess the ability of each individual, as this may be influenced by genetic or personal factors such as age or gender. The aim of this study is to test the influence of deep breathing on hypoxia tolerance time. Material and methods: A total of 45 subjects (21 parachutists and 24 students) performed two NHTTs at 5050 m altitude (iAltitude). Arterial (SatO2) and muscle (SmO2) oxygen saturation were monitored with the Humon Hex® device. The first NHTT was performed with free breathing, without any instructions; and the second NHTT was performed with wide, slow, diaphragmatic breathing. The NHTT was terminated at the end of 10 min or when a value of less than 83% was obtained. Results: The first NHTT was completed by 38.1% of parachutist and 33.3% of students while the second NHTT was completed by 85.7% and 75%, respectively. In the second NHTT, both parachutists and students had a significantly (p = 0.001) longer duration compared to the first NHTT. SmO2 and SatO2 values also increased significantly (p < 0.001) in both groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Performing controlled diaphragmatic breathing is successful in increasing hypoxia tolerance time and/or SatO2 values.
Is Policy the Necessary or Sufficient Driving Force of Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling Industry Development? Experience from China
Authors: Li Jingru , Ji Jinxiao , Zuo Jian , Tan Yi
Published: March 2023

Policies have long been considered the essential driving force in promoting construction and demolition waste (CDW) recycling. However, the policy instruments adopted in different economies have varied greatly, which contributes to the difficulty in quantitative discernment of their effect. This study aims to examine whether the holistic employment of policy measures determines the development of CDW recycling around China. To accurately measure the holistic adoption of CDW policies, this study assessed policy strength via a proposed three-dimensional evaluation model. The spatiotemporal differences in policy strength among the 52 sample cities were further defined using K-means clustering and the Gini coefficient. Next, the driving effect of policy on the initial establishment of CDW recycling industry practices was examined by event history analysis (EHA). Finally, fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) was used to analyze the sufficiency and necessity of policy for the initial establishment of CDW recycling practices. The results indicated that the establishment of a first CDW recycling plant is only slightly correlated with policy measures, whereas it is highly correlated with the pilot city and per capita GDP. Furthermore, application of policy is neither a necessary nor sufficient condition for the establishment of a CDW recycling industry facility.
Associations between Sleep Quality, Frailty, and Quality of Life among Older Adults in Community and Nursing Home Settings
Authors: Lorber Mateja , Kmetec Sergej , Davey Adam , Mlinar Reljić Nataša , Fekonja Zvonka , Kegl Barbara
Published: March 2023

Poor sleep quality is prevalent among older adults, but limited data document associations between frailty and quality of life comparing individuals living in the community with those in nursing homes. This cross-sectional study (conducted between August and November 2019) included 831 older adults (mean age 76.5 years) from Slovenia’s community and nursing home settings. The results showed comorbidity in 38% of community-dwelling older adults and 31% of older adults in nursing homes. The prevalence of frailty among community-dwelling older adults was 36.5%, and among older adults in a nursing home was 58.5%. A total of 76% of community-dwelling older adults and 95.8% of nursing home residents reported poor sleep quality. Sleep quality and frailty predict 42.3% of the total variability of quality of life for older adults in nursing homes and 34.8% for community-dwelling older adults. The study’s results indicate that the quality of life can be affected by factors (e.g., worse sleep quality and frailty) among older adults, regardless of being a resident or from the community. Understanding how sleep quality is affected by social, environmental, and biological factors can help improve sleep quality and potentially the quality of life of older adults.
Biochar Blended with Nitrogen Fertilizer Promotes Maize Yield by Altering Soil Enzyme Activities and Organic Carbon Content in Black Soil
Authors: Sun Jing , Lu Xinrui , Wang Shuang , Tian Chunjie , Chen Guoshuang , Luo Nana , Zhang Qilin , Li Xiujun
Published: March 2023

Biochar and nitrogen fertilizers are known to increase soil carbon storage and reduce soil nitrogen loss as amendments, suggesting a promising strategy for highly effectively increasing soil productivity. However, few studies have explored the mechanisms of their effects on crop yield in terms of active carbon fraction and enzyme activity, which ultimately limits the potential for the application of biochar in combination with nitrogen fertilizers. To evaluate the effect of biochar and nitrogen fertilizer on the improvement of black soils in northeast China, a field experiment was conducted in the black soil to compare and analyze the application methods on total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), enzyme activities, and maize yields. Biochar rates: CK, C1, C2, and C3 (0, 9.8, 19.6, and 29.4 Mg·ha−1); N fertilizer rates: N1/2 and N (30 and 60 kg·ha−1). Results indicated that biochar and N fertilizer amendments significantly ameliorated soil fertility, such as TOC and TN, compared to the unamended soil. The TOC levels in the C3 treatment increased by 35.18% and the TN levels by 23.95%. The improvement in TN is more significant when biochar is blended with N fertilizer. Biochar blended with N fertilizer increased maize cellulase, urease, and invertase activities by an average of 53.12%, 58.13%, and 16.54%, respectively. Redundancy analysis showed that TOC, TN, and MBN contributed 42%, 16.2%, and 22.2%, respectively, to the maize yield indicator. Principal component analysis showed that reduced N fertilizer was more effective in improving yields, with a maximum yield increase of 50.74%. Biochar blended with N fertilizer is an effective strategy to improve the fertility and productivity of black soils in northeast China, while nitrogen fertilizer reduction is feasible and necessary for maintaining grain yield.
A Middle-Range Theory of Social Isolation in Chronic Illness
Authors: Iovino Paolo , Vellone Ercole , Cedrone Nadia , Riegel Barbara
Published: March 2023

Chronic illnesses and social isolation are major public phenomena that drive health and social policy worldwide. This article describes a middle-range theory of social isolation as experienced by chronically ill individuals. Key concepts include social disconnectedness, loneliness, and chronic illness. Antecedents of social isolation include predisposing factors (e.g., ageism and immigration) and precipitating factors (e.g., stigma and grief). Outcomes of social isolation include psychosocial responses (e.g., depression and quality of life), health-related behaviors (i.e., self-care), and clinical responses (e.g., cognitive function and health service use). Possible patterns of social isolation in chronic illness are described.
Effects of Muscle Strength, Agility, and Fear of Falling on Risk of Falling in Older Adults
Authors: Rodrigues Filipe , Monteiro António M. , Forte Pedro , Morouço Pedro
Published: March 2023

Falls are a major public health problem among older adults because they lead to premature mortality, loss of autonomy, and increased dependence on others. However, these associations have not been explored using procedures that analyze the sequential effects between risk factors of falling. The present study aimed to examine the effects of muscle strength, agility, and fear of falling on risk of falling using path analysis in community-dwelling older adults. In total, 49 elderly (female = 33, male = 16) participants aged between 65 and 76 years (M = 68.38 years; SD = 6.22) were included for analysis. Muscle strength, agility, fear of falling, and risk of falling were assessed using validated instruments for the older adult population. The proposed model shows that muscle strength was negatively associated with agility. Consequently, agility was negatively associated with fear of falling. The same trend appeared between fear of falling and risk of falling. The effect sizes were between small and medium for agility (R2 = 0.16), fear of falling, (R2 = 0.29), and risk of falling (R2 = 0.03). The main finding of the present study was that muscle strength was significantly correlated with agility, which, in turn, predicted fear of falling. Consequently, lower scores for fear of falling explained lower risk of falling in community-dwelling older adults. While muscle strength is a crucial component of physical fitness, only with adequate levels of agility can older adults possess the efficacy and ability to perform daily tasks.
Occupational Exposure to Antineoplastic Drugs in Twelve French Health Care Setting: Biological Monitoring and Surface Contamination
Authors: Ndaw Sophie , Remy Aurélie
Published: March 2023

Antineoplastic drugs used in the treatment of cancers have an intrinsic toxicity, because of their genotoxic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic properties. Their use is recognized as an occupational hazard for healthcare workers (HCWs) who may be exposed. The purpose of this article is to present biological- and environmental-monitoring data collected in twelve French hospitals over eight years. Urine samples were collected from a wide range of HCWs (250 participants) from pharmacy and oncology units, including physicians, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, nurses, auxiliary nurses, and cleaners. The investigated drugs were cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, methotrexate, and α-fluoro-β-alanine, the main urinary metabolite of 5-fluorouracil. Wipe samples were collected from various locations in pharmacy and oncology units. More than 50% of participants, from all exposure groups, were contaminated with either drug, depending on the unit, the day, or the task performed. However, workers from oncology units were more frequently exposed than workers from pharmacy units. Significant contamination was detected on various surfaces in pharmacy and oncology units, highlighting potential sources of exposure. Risk-management measures should be implemented to reduce and maintain exposures at lowest-possible levels. In addition, regular exposure assessment, including biological and environmental monitoring, is recommended to ensure the long-term efficiency of the prevention measures.
Explorative Assessment of the Temperature–Mortality Association to Support Health-Based Heat-Warning Thresholds: A National Case-Crossover Study in Switzerland
Authors: Ragettli Martina S. , Saucy Apolline , Flückiger Benjamin , Vienneau Danielle , de Hoogh Kees , Vicedo-Cabrera Ana M. , Schindler Christian , Röösli Martin
Published: March 2023

Defining health-based thresholds for effective heat warnings is crucial for climate change adaptation strategies. Translating the non-linear function between heat and health effects into an effective threshold for heat warnings to protect the population is a challenge. We present a systematic analysis of heat indicators in relation to mortality. We applied distributed lag non-linear models in an individual-level case-crossover design to assess the effects of heat on mortality in Switzerland during the warm season from 2003 to 2016 for three temperature metrics (daily mean, maximum, and minimum temperature), and various threshold temperatures and heatwave definitions. Individual death records with information on residential address from the Swiss National Cohort were linked to high-resolution temperature estimates from 100 m resolution maps. Moderate (90th percentile) to extreme thresholds (99.5th percentile) of the three temperature metrics implied a significant increase in mortality (5 to 38%) in respect of the median warm-season temperature. Effects of the threshold temperatures on mortality were similar across the seven major regions in Switzerland. Heatwave duration did not modify the effect when considering delayed effects up to 7 days. This nationally representative study, accounting for small-scale exposure variability, suggests that the national heat-warning system should focus on heatwave intensity rather than duration. While a different heat-warning indicator may be appropriate in other countries, our evaluation framework is transferable to any country.
Modified Ant Colony Optimization as a Means for Evaluating the Variants of the City Railway Underground Section
Authors: Korzeń Mariusz , Kruszyna Maciej
Published: March 2023

The railway is one of the most energy-efficient modes of transport, helping to enhance the environment and public health in cities and agglomerations. In this paper, the authors raise the issue of the construction of an underground railway route in Wrocław (Poland) to allow the organization of the suburban rail system in the agglomeration. There are many concepts for the construction of this route, but so far none has been realized. Therefore, it is important to design the route properly. Here, five options for this tunnel are considered and evaluated. To make such an evaluation, the authors construct a modified ant colony optimization algorithm (ACO). The “classic” algorithm considers the determination of the shortest route. The modification of the algorithm will allow a more accurate analysis of the issue, taking into account more parameters than just the length of the route. These are the location of traffic generators in the city center, the number of inhabitants neighboring the stations, and the number of tram or bus lines integrated with the railway. The presented method and exemplary case study should allow for the evaluation, introduction, or development of the city railway.
Hepatitis Risk in Diabetes Compared to Non-Diabetes and Relevant Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 2013–2018
Authors: Han Ja-Young , Kwon Jae-Hee , Kim Sun-Hwa , Lee Heeyoung
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to identify the development of hepatitis B or C infection in diabetes patients compared to those without and to elucidate factors associated with the prevalence of hepatitis B or C infection in diabetes. We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2018. As evaluation factors, we included variables such as age, race, illicit drug use, and poverty. The diabetic group had a significantly higher prevalence of hepatitis B or C infection than the non-diabetic group (odds ratio (OR) = 1.73; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.36–2.21, p < 0.01). In multivariate Cox regression, non-poverty and non-illicit drug use were lower risk factors contributing to hepatitis development in diabetes (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32–0.79, p < 0.01, and HR = 0.05; 95% CI, 0.03–0.08, p < 0.01, respectively). Logistic regression also showed that these factors were significant contributors to hepatitis development in the diabetic group (p < 0.01). In patients with diabetes, the development of hepatitis was higher than that in those without, and hepatitis development was influenced by poverty and illicit drug use. This may provide supporting evidence of response strategies for diabetes to care for hepatitis development in advance.
Bioremediation of Heavy Metals by the Genus Bacillus
Authors: Wróbel Monika , Śliwakowski Wojciech , Kowalczyk Paweł , Kramkowski Karol , Dobrzyński Jakub
Published: March 2023

Environmental contamination with heavy metals is one of the major problems caused by human activity. Bioremediation is an effective and eco-friendly approach that can reduce heavy metal contamination in the environment. Bioremediation agents include bacteria of the genus Bacillus, among others. The best-described species in terms of the bioremediation potential of Bacillus spp. Are B. subtilis, B. cereus, or B. thuringiensis. This bacterial genus has several bioremediation strategies, including biosorption, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS)-mediated biosorption, bioaccumulation, or bioprecipitation. Due to the above-mentioned strategies, Bacillus spp. strains can reduce the amounts of metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, chromium, arsenic or nickel in the environment. Moreover, strains of the genus Bacillus can also assist phytoremediation by stimulating plant growth and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the soil. Therefore, Bacillus spp. is one of the best sustainable solutions for reducing heavy metals from various environments, especially soil.
Management of Glycemia during Acute Aerobic and Resistance Training in Patients with Diabetes Type 1: A Croatian Pilot Study
Authors: Ivandic Marul , Cigrovski Berkovic Maja , Ormanac Klara , Sabo Dea , Omanovic Kolaric Tea , Kuna Lucija , Mihaljevic Vjera , Canecki Varzic Silvija , Smolic Martina , Bilic-Curcic Ines
Published: March 2023

(1) Background: The increased risk of developing hypoglycemia and worsening of glycemic stability during exercise is a major cause of concern for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). (2) Aim: This pilot study aimed to assess glycemic stability and hypoglycemic episodes during and after aerobic versus resistance exercises using a flash glucose monitoring system in patients with T1DM. (3) Participants and Methods: We conducted a randomized crossover prospective study including 14 adult patients with T1DM. Patients were randomized according to the type of exercise (aerobic vs. resistance) with a recovery period of three days between a change of groups. Glucose stability and hypoglycemic episodes were evaluated during and 24 h after the exercise. Growth hormone (GH), cortisol, and lactate levels were determined at rest, 0, 30, and 60 min post-exercise period. (4) Results: The median age of patients was 53 years, with a median HbA1c of 7.1% and a duration of diabetes of 30 years. During both training sessions, there was a drop in glucose levels immediately after the exercise (0′), followed by an increase at 30′ and 60′, although the difference was not statistically significant. However, glucose levels significantly decreased from 60′ to 24 h in the post-exercise period (p = 0.001) for both types of exercise. Glycemic stability was comparable prior to and after exercise for both training sessions. No differences in the number of hypoglycemic episodes, duration of hypoglycemia, and average glucose level in 24 h post-exercise period were observed between groups. Time to hypoglycemia onset was prolonged after the resistance as opposed to aerobic training (13 vs. 8 h, p = NS). There were no nocturnal hypoglycemic episodes (between 0 and 6 a.m.) after the resistance compared to aerobic exercise (4 vs. 0, p = NS). GH and cortisol responses were similar between the two sessions, while lactate levels were significantly more increased after resistance training. (5) Conclusion: Both exercise regimes induced similar blood glucose responses during and immediately following acute exercise.
Effect of Climate Change Belief and the New Environmental Paradigm (NEP) on Eco-Tourism Attitudes of Tourists: Moderator Role of Green Self-Identity
Authors: Tarinc Abdullah , Ergun Gozde Seval , Aytekin Arif , Keles Ali , Ozbek Ozlem , Keles Huseyin , Yayla Ozgur
Published: March 2023

This research has been conducted to determine the effect of tourists’ beliefs of climate change on the NEP and ecotourism attitudes. In addition to this purpose, the moderator role of green self-identity in the effect of the NEP on ecological attitudes has also been examined. The research data were obtained from the tourists visiting the Alanya destination, which is one of the centers that attract the most tourists in Turkey. When the results of the research were examined, it could be determined that the belief in climate change is effective on all dimensions of the NEP, and similarly, all dimensions of the NEP have also affected the tourists’ ecological attitude. Further, green self-identity has a moderator role in the effect of ecocentric and anthropocentric sub-dimensions on eco-tourism attitudes. As a consequence of the findings, a number of theoretical and practical implications have been developed for sector managers, destination management organizations, and academicians.
Breaking Down Barriers: Findings from a Literature Review on Housing for People with Disabilities in Latin America
Authors: Valderrama-Ulloa Claudia , Ferrada Ximena , Herrera Felipe
Published: March 2023

Accessibility to housing is crucial for people with disabilities as it provides them with equal opportunities and allows them to live independently. A systematic literature review has been conducted to understand the current research on accessibility in housing for people with disabilities in Latin America. The study analysed 56 papers and used co-word analysis to identify common themes and topics within the documents. The results of the analysis showed that Brazil (61%) is the country with the most research on the subject, physical disability, at 36%, is the impairment most analysed, and interventions or analysis for the older people (45%) in their homes is the most researched type of population. The co-word analysis revealed that topics such as policy, regulations, the use of technologies, ergonomics interventions, and architectural criteria or barriers to the daily life of disabled people were frequently discussed in the papers. Although this work shows a substantial and growing increase in research on housing for people with disabilities in Latin America, it also demonstrates the importance of increasing research on other types of impairment, such as visual and cognitive-intellectual disabilities, and including children, caregivers, or even young adults.
Identifying and Supporting Students with a Chronically Ill Family Member: A Mixed-Methods Study on the Perceived Competences and Role Views of Lecturers
Authors: van der Werf Hinke M. , Paans Wolter , Francke Anneke L. , Roodbol Petrie F. , Luttik Marie Louise A.
Published: March 2023

Young adult caregivers experience reduced wellbeing when the combination of family care and an educational program becomes too demanding. We aim to clarify the role views, competences, and needs of lecturers regarding the identification and support of these students to prevent negative mental health consequences. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was used. We collected quantitative data using a survey of lecturers teaching in bachelor education programs in the Netherlands (n = 208) and then conducted in-depth interviews (n = 13). Descriptive statistics and deductive thematic analyses were performed. Most participants (70.2%) thought that supporting young adult caregivers was the responsibility of the educational institution, and 49% agreed that it was a responsibility of the lecturer, but only 66.8% indicated that they feel competent to do so. However, 45.2% indicated that they needed more training and expertise to identify and support these students. All interviewees felt responsible for their students’ wellbeing but highlighted a lack of clarity regarding their role fulfillment. In practice, their ability to identify and support these students depended on their available time and level of expertise. The lecturers required agreements on responsibility and procedures for further referral, as well as information on support and referral opportunities, communication skills courses, and peer-to-peer coaching.
Understanding the Relationship between Financial Literacy and Chinese Rural Households’ Entrepreneurship from the Perspective of Credit Constraints and Risk Preference
Authors: Liu Silin , He Jia , Xu Dingde
Published: March 2023

Farmers’ entrepreneurship is an important factor in promoting rural economic growth, yet few studies have systematically discussed the impact of financial literacy. Using the 2021 China Land Economic Survey data, this study analyzes the relationship between financial literacy and Chinese rural households’ entrepreneurship from the perspective of credit constraints and risk preferences by the IV-probit, stepwise regression, and moderating effects methods. This study finds that: (1) the financial literacy of Chinese farmers is low, with only 11.2% of the sample households starting businesses; and (2) Financial literacy can promote rural households’ entrepreneurship. After introducing an instrument variable to control endogenous problems, the positive correlation is still significant; (3) financial literacy effectively alleviates the traditional credit constraints of farmers, thereby promoting entrepreneurship; (4) risk preference weakens the positive impact of financial literacy on rural households’ entrepreneurship. This study provides a reference for optimizing entrepreneurship policies.
Błażek Ambivalent Parental Communication Questionnaire (BAPCQ)
Authors: Błażek Magdalena , Nadrowska Natalia
Published: March 2023

Communication is one of the three overarching processes of family resilience, along with the belief system and organizational processes of family life. Honest, unambiguous communication with a child is one of the important bases of a child’s development and feeling of security and healthy functioning in relations. The aim of our research was to construct a questionnaire aimed to measure consistency in communication on two dimensions: verbal and non-verbal communication, statements, and actions of parents. In this study, 404 persons participated: 319 (79.0%) women and 85 (21.0%) men, aged 18 to 61 (M = 24.83, SD = 7.87). Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a two-factor model with 52 items that were well-fitted to the data for both versions. The model indicators were found to be well suited to the data (for communication with the mother were: χ2 /df = 1.58, RMSEA = 0.03, CFI = 0.99, TLI = 0.99, SRMR = 0.06, and for the communication with father version: χ2 /df = 2.34, RMSEA = 0.05, CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.98, SRMR = 0.07). The Błażek Ambivalent Parental Communication Questionnaire (BAPCQ) could be used in a clinical context as well as in scientific studies and is designed to test adults who evaluate their communication with their parents.
Factors Related to Psychological Distress in Suicide Prevention Supporters during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Ujihara Masana , Tachikawa Hirokazu , Takahashi Asumi , Gen Towa , Cho Yoshinori
Published: March 2023

Purpose: Psychological distress and related factors in suicide prevention supporters during the COVID-19 pandemic were clarified. Methods: A web-based survey for supporters from helplines or psychiatric institutions was conducted from May to July 2021. It included items about profession, stress and anxiety, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Results: 818 participants were analyzed. Psychological distress was significantly higher among healthcare workers in psychiatric institutions than among helpline volunteers. The factor most related to psychological distress in both professions was insufficient rest with overwork. Distress in helpline volunteers was related to their lack of ability to support people with suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, excessive media coverage related to COVID-19, and trouble dealing with complainers. Distress in healthcare workers was related to their lack of ability to provide sufficient support to their clients due to infection prevention measures. Conclusion: Psychological distress among suicide prevention supporters during the pandemic has been affected by overwork, the fact that helpline volunteers cannot be trained in suicide prevention, and the fact that healthcare workers can only provide insufficient support to their clients due to infection prevention measures. To maintain suicide prevention during pandemics, it is necessary to implement measures that are tailored to the factors of psychological distress in supporters.
Pollution Vulnerability of the Ghiss Nekkor Alluvial Aquifer in Al-Hoceima (Morocco), Using GIS-Based DRASTIC Model
Authors: El Yousfi Yassine , Himi Mahjoub , Aqnouy Mourad , Benyoussef Said , Gueddari Hicham , Lamine Imane , El Ouarghi Hossain , Alali Amar , Ait Hmeid Hanane , Chahban Mohamed , Alitane Abdennabi , Elaaraj Abdallah , Abdelrahman Kamal , Abu-Alam Tamer , Ait Boughrous Ali , Khafouri Azzeddine , Abioui Mohamed
Published: March 2023

Groundwater resources of the alluvial aquifer Ghiss Nekkor, which covers an area of 100 km2, are the main source of domestic and agricultural freshwater supply in the region of Al Hoceima in Morocco. Due to human activities (overexploitation, increase in agricultural activity), this alluvial aquifer has become very sensitive to chemical pollution. The principal objective of this current study is to develop and implement a calibration method to assess, map, and estimate the vulnerability of the Ghiss Nekkor alluvial aquifer to pollution risk. In this work, the GIS-based DRASTIC model was used to estimate the inherent vulnerability to contamination of the Ghiss Nekkor alluvial aquifer with seven standard hydrogeological parameters. Nitrate (NO3) and electrical conductivity (EC) data were used to validate the DRASTIC map. The results of the vulnerability map analysis show that the vulnerability to contaminants varies from non-existent in the southwestern part of the plain (7.3% of the total area), to very high (14.5%). The vulnerability is moderate in the central and northeastern areas (26.9%), while it is high in the other areas (17.5%). Furthermore, the most sensitive areas are mainly concentrated near the coastal strip and the central plain on both sides of the Nekkor River. In these areas, the NO3 and EC values are above the maximum allowable limit of the World Health Organization. The results suggest that the DRASTIC model can be an effective tool for decision-makers concerned about managing groundwater sustainability.
Validation of the Upper Limb Functional Index on Breast Cancer Survivor
Authors: Martín-Martín Jaime , Pajares-Hachero Bella , Alba-Conejo Emilio , Ribelles Nuria , Cuesta-Vargas Antonio I. , Roldán-Jiménez Cristina
Published: March 2023

Breast cancer survivors (BCS) may face functional alterations after surgical intervention. Upper Limb Disorders (ULDs) are highly prevalent even years after a diagnosis. Clinicians may assess the upper limbs after breast cancer. The Upper Limb Functional Index (ULFI) has been validated across different populations and languages. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Upper Limb Functional Index Spanish version (ULFI-Sp) in the BCS. Methods: A psychometric validation study of the ULFI-Sp was conducted on 216 voluntary breast cancer survivors. The psychometric properties were as follows: analysis of the factor structure by maximum likelihood extraction (MLE), internal consistency, and construct validity by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Results: The factor structure was one-dimensional. ULFI-Sp showed a high internal consistency for the total score (α = 0.916) and the regression score obtained from MLE (α = 0.996). CFA revealed a poor fit, and a new 14-item model (short version) was further tested. The developed short version of the ULFI-SP is preferable to assess upper limb function in Spanish BCS. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of ULD in this population and the broader versions of ULFI across different languages, this study’s results may be transferred to clinical practice and integrated as part of upper limb assessment after breast cancer.